On Wednesday 10 April 2024, and on the 20th anniversary since its inception, the University of Malta’s Institute for Physical Education and Sport held the first edition of the IPES Ceremony as a stand-alone event, where it recognised the outstanding performances of some of its current and former students.
A total of 71 awards were given throughout the ceremony.
In previous years, this event used to be integrated into the Institute’s annual conference.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Andrew Decelis, the Director of IPES, extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduates who excelled in the B.Sc in Sport and Physical Activity courses in the last 3 years and the M.Sc in Physical Education and Sport, as well as to those who have successfully completed the Physical Education teacher education programmes.
“Your dedication, hard work, and commitment have brought you to this moment of recognition, and today we celebrate your excellent achievements. You are our ambassadors”, Prof. Decelis said during his speech.
The Institute’s employees, who have, with dedication, served the Institute with loyalty and passion, were also thanked in the speech, as were Mr Louis Borg and Dr Michael Aquilina, whose vision and tireless efforts have laid the foundation for the success of the Institute.
Here is the complete list of awardees:
The Dr Michael Aquilina Award for Oustanding Performance in MLT PE Group
Class of 2021 – Michelle Vella Class of 2022 – Samuel Vella Class of 2023 – Sarah Bonnici
The Mr Louis Borg Award for Outstanding performance in MTL PE Study Units
Class of 2021 – Melanie Grech Class of 2022 – Juan Karl Degiorgio Class of 2023 – Darren Lee Debono
The IPES Director Award for Outstanding Performance in MSc in Sport and PE
Class of 2023 – Stephanie Enriquez, Miguel Falzon, Trevor Fenech, Maria Vella Galea
IPES Director Award for Outstanding Perfomance in BScSPhA
Class of 2019 – Danica Bianchi, Brenda Borg, Melanie Grech, Amy Micallef, Michelle Vella Class of 2020 – Matthias Cristiano, Liam Harrison Class of 2021 – Donovan Borg, Alec Felice Pace Class of 2022 – Katrina Esposito, Mathea Saliba, Michelle Dimech Class of 2023 – Mikela Riolo
Community and Collaboration Awards
- Reġjun Lvant
- St Clare College – San Ä wann Primary School
- St Monica School, GĹĽira
St Francis School, Msida
Recognition Awards – High Achievement in Sport
UEFA Women’s Nations League Tournament – Karl Attard, Brenda Borg, Amanda Farrugia, Veronique Mifsud, Alishia Sultana, Carald Vella, Charlene Zammit Indoor Rowing – Leanne Xuereb Ungaro Weightlifting – Yasmin Zammit Stevens, Tenishia Thornton Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020 – Thomas Borg GSSEs Special Mention – Mikela Riolo (Basketball), Rosalie Borg (Athletics), Amy Micallef (Swimming) GSSEs Bronze Medalist – Ian Grech (Athletics) GSSEs Silver Medalists – David Bugeja (Basketball), Rodianne Bugeja (Rugby), Alec Felice Pace (Basketball), Ian Felice Pace (Basketball) GSSEs Gold Medalist – Claire Azzopardi (Athletics) Commonwealth Games and Small Nations Games – Katryna Esposito
Recognition Awards – Advancement of PE and Sport
Edmond Abela - Badminton Noel Aquilina - Advocate for All Ability Sports and Wheelchair Basketball David Azzopardi - Promoter of Sports and Olympism Mark Buttigieg – Physical Educator and Football Coach Anna Calleja – Physical Educator and Advocate for Inclusive PE and Sport Joanna Camilleri - Physical Educator and Sports Journalist Joseph Cassar - Physical Educator and Sports Administrator George Micallef - Sports Journalist and Administrator Ivan Riolo - Physical Educator, Academic Founder of Starlites Basketball Club Tyler Tanti - Physical Educator and introduced Calisthenics in Malta Stefan Sultana - Physical Educator and Footballer Ivan Woods - Physical Educator, Footballer, Football Grassroot manager & technical co-ordinator
Recognition Awards – Longstanding Service to IPES
Mariette Diacono Sacha Dimech Alfred Cachia Johann Bellizzi Liz Said Doris Borg Maria Camilleri Dr John Consiglio Pierre Cassar
Legacy in PE and Sport
Family of Dr Michael Aquilina Family of Mr Louis Borg
