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The social arm of Premier League champions Ħamrun Spartans, , launched an initiative which sees the local football community work towards a common aim, that of helping make a difference by collecting funds for cancer research.

Named Sports Unity, the project sees the club solidify its social responsibility strategy by organising an event twice a year to bring together the sporting community and collect money to be used in the studying of the disease.

In this regard, an agreement has been reached between Ħamrun Ħanin and RIDT, the .

“Sports has a fundamental role in society, and thus has massive potential to bring everyone together and work towards a specific goal. It’s a powerful tool”, said Ian Debattista, chairman of Ħamrun Ħanin. “Football and sport are effective mediums to unite and open doors to access new opportunities”, he continued.

Chief Executive Officer of RIDT, Mr Wilfred Kenely, praised the initiative, saying “The unity between clubs has a very noble cause – and I am grateful that, groups of people that normally compete against each other, will be uniting for cancer research”.

Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Clifton Grima, and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti both welcomed the initiative, remarking that such an initiative will deliver improvements in the treatment of cancer, a community-wide benefit.

Azzopardi Tanti announced that the Cancer Research and Innovation Hub Malta (CRIHM) will be financing a Mobile Unit project which will support initiatives such as Sports Unity by supporting communities, educational institutions and sport activities.

The first event is scheduled for 8 November at Giardini Lambrosa.