Mrieħel, Malta — 08/09/2026 — ClimbMT, Malta’s national climbing organisation, has officially launched the Malta National Climbing Team, marking a major step forward in the development of competitive climbing on the islands. The announcement took place during a well‑attended gathering of athletes and parents hosted by Crashpad, Malta’s newest international‑standard climbing facility located in Mrieħel.
A Vision for Excellence and International Ambition
ClimbMT President Simon Alden welcomed attendees and highlighted the significance of the moment for the local climbing community.
“This is an exciting milestone for climbing in Malta,” Alden said. “The creation of the National Climbing Team reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and giving our athletes the opportunity to train and compete at the highest possible level. With international coach Ian Dunn’s leadership and the world‑class facilities at Crashpad, we are confident that our climbers will have the environment they need to grow and succeed.”
World‑Class Coaching at a World‑Class Facility
During the event, ClimbMT introduced Ian Dunn as the team’s newly appointed Head Coach, setting the foundation for a new era of structured, high‑performance training for Maltese climbers.
Ian, a respected figure in international climbing with decades of coaching experience, outlined his vision for the team. Training will be based primarily at Crashpad, whose modern, international competition‑grade walls and bouldering spaces provide the ideal setting for structured athlete development.
Dunn emphasised a long‑term approach focused on:
Regular high‑quality coaching sessions, technical and physical progression, overseas workshops and training camps, participation in international competitions aligned with athlete readiness.
Maximising Athlete Development: A Strategic Path Forward
ClimbMT’s Youth, Integrity, and Competitions Officer Louise Giglio also addressed the gathering. She provided further detail on the federation’s plans to maximise opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents. Plans are already in place to hold regular national team training sessions both locally and abroad, as well as compete overseas.
Giglio highlighted the importance of a coordinated pathway that combines:
Consistent coaching support from Ian Dunn
Access to high‑quality training at Crashpad
Overseas workshops to broaden competitive experience
A long‑term development structure tailored to each athlete’s potential
She also noted that ClimbMT is working closely with Sport Malta and the Malta Olympic Committee, as well as private sponsors, to secure future funding that will help sustain and expand these opportunities.
A New Chapter for Maltese Climbing
The launch of the Malta Climbing Team at Crashpad represents a significant leap forward for a sport that continues to grow rapidly across the islands. With a dedicated national team, expert coaching, and a state‑of‑the‑art training base, Malta is poised to make its mark on the international climbing scene.