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U3A Malta represents the University of Malta at International Olympic Games

A six-member delegation from ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ's University of the Third Age (U3A) represented Malta at the 15th Olympic Games for Students of Universities of the Third Age, held in Zvolen, Slovakia, from 16 to 18 September 2026.

Hosted by the University of the Third Age at the Technical University in Zvolen, the event brought together participants from 11 countries. The programme combined sport, educational presentations and cultural exchange, giving older learners opportunities to meet, share interests and engage with peers from different national and cultural contexts.

The Maltese delegation comprised of William Pace, who served as group leader, Mary Ann Pace, Joe Leone Ganado, Joseph Said, Miriam Sutphen and Elizabeth Micallef. Members took part in table tennis, archery, bowling and laser shooting, together with other activities involving accuracy, coordination and teamwork.

Malta also achieved a podium finish, with Joe Leone Ganado winning a bronze medal in table tennis. The result was warmly celebrated by the delegation and added a sporting highlight to a programme in which all six Maltese participants took part.

Learning was also central to the event. Participating Universities of the Third Age contributed presentations on information and communication technology (ICT) and ecology. Joseph Said represented Malta with presentations on ICT and highlighted the importance of combining lifelong learning, physical activity and social participation to support physical and mental well-being in later life.

The programme also included several opportunities for informal social interaction among the international delegations.

For Prof. Christian Borg Xuereb, Rector's Delegate for the Universities of the Third and Fourth Age, the visit reflects the breadth of opportunities that later-life education can provide.

“Initiatives such as this demonstrate the breadth of what later-life education can offer. U3A is not solely about classroom learning but it can also provide opportunities for social connection, cultural exchange, physical activity and new experiences. Importantly, these opportunities recognise the diversity of later life and allow people to participate in ways that are meaningful to them”

The University of the Third Age forms part of the University of Malta's wider commitment to lifelong learning. Experiences such as the Zvolen visit show how later-life education can extend beyond the lecture room and support continued learning, relationships and participation in university and community life.

½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ congratulates the Maltese delegation on its participation and Joe Leone Ganado on his bronze medal achievement.

Joe Leone Ganado, winner of the bronze medal in table tennis.