TA' QALI (Malta) - It was a proud moment for everyone connected with basketball in Malta, as the newly refurbished Ta' Qali Basketball Sports Pavilion was inaugurated.

With a long history and originally a base for aircraft during the Second World War, the 5,000 square metre venue was severely damaged by a storm during 2012, with flooding completely destroying the parquet flooring. 

In a major renewal project funded via a 1.8 million Euro investment by the local governing bodies, the extensive two-phase rejuvenation of the Pavilion has now been completed.

The refurbishment included a newly built elevated roofing structure to prevent future flood damage, an extensive upgrade of dressing rooms, office and seating areas - as well as the introduction of new stores and a new restaurant.

The seating capacity has also been increased to 1,000.

In attendance for the inauguration, Prime Minister Robert Abela paid tribute to how the project has secured increased accessibility for both spectators with disabilities, as well as those who play the sport. 

Meanwhile Paul Sultana, the President of the Maltese Basketball Association, proudly stated: “We are looking at an incredible building replacing an [aircraft] hangar and turning into a basketball arena.

"This is a beautiful project for Malta and even internationally. We will be proud to welcome foreign basketball players to play here," he stressed.

The Pavilion will be used for the European Small States Games, which Malta will host in 2023.

FIBA