STREAKS #1

#1

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What does your daily routine look like?

After school I do my homework, then my Dad takes me to the court to workout. We do stretching first, then we do dribbling drills, and then we do different shooting drills. Before I leave I have to make 150 shots,and then I get to do my own stuff that I like.

What is your daily diet?

I basically eat lots of fruit and vegetables along with drinking a lot of water. I also sneak in some doughnuts and sweets too lol.

Is there any basketball star you look up to?

I look up to Kobe Bryant because he inspired me to play and taught me to never give up and always try your best.

Why is it important to practice before any game?

It’s important to practice because it prepares you for the game. If you practice hard then the game will be easier for you.

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IRA LOSCO

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Do dreams come true?

Yes they do

with very hard work and determination.

With incessant drive and belief for what you want to achieve.

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Whatns the world to mailey.. IIthisavine lomvyeDfaNmAil.y.I love liste mea reate d nd and my Music must c I . e my ba g my refu rating it with leb and ce

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What does i t entail to b e c o m e Never giving a pop star? up on a dream youth, te . Work

ing extremely enage years an hard. I spent d my 20s wat the recording all of my ch ing my friends studio recordin go out while I g album after getting marrie was in another. While d and buying houses I was my friends wer I wanted that touring and m e so badly, and aking music vi thankfully I ha career. I contin deos. ve had a very ue to make m successful and usic and my au long dience has gr keep followin own with me g me. I am ve and ry blessed and thankful.

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Do we give too much importance to social media?

Yes we do. Especially the younger generation. Social media is not reality.

It is merely seconds out of our lives. If influencers and content creators are always promoting the best parts of their lives or days it can negatively affect their audiences into chasing a surreal reality and leave them very disappointed with life.

It can cause depressive tendencies, self entitlement and apathy. We need to be aware of all the negative traits of social media before we can enjoy it and utilize it positively.

How have you dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic?

I used my time productively, I kept going with some projects and I also took the time to spend quality time with my children and my husband. It wasn’t easy on artists like me who were so active before the pandemic came along. I miss the stage and I miss my audience in live concerts. Our industry was hit the hardest in our country and quite frankly I think it has really exposed how little the Maltese public appreciates music and art.

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The X Factor Malta is back.

What are your expectations for this year’s edition?

We have already done the auditions and boot camp and my expectations have been met and gone beyond. I already know my category and I’m over the moon about it. I have very strong contenders. I’m so excited for our audience to see what all of these up and coming stars have in store for them.

Why is the X Factor an opportunity for a potential talent?

It is an opportunity for those who were never given a chance either because of finances or because life got in the way of their chances. It is also an opportunity for those older artists who were either busy raising families or tending to their children’s dreams and not their own. It is also an opportunity for those who know they have talent but haven’t found their way/ musical direction yet. X Factor is for everyone and anyone.

What’s next on your agenda?

More X Factor filming.

The Chair Challenge, Judges Houses, live shows, some new music releases and music videos. Hopefully some concerts too- depending on safety measures and how this pandemic pans out.

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What does the skatepark mean to you?

The skatepark has meant pure freedom to me. The skatepark has always been a type of sanctuary to me.

Whenever anything was wrong in life I could go blow off steam at the local skatepark and when I am riding there is not much on my mind besides what I am doing at that moment.

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I read you were bullied at school.

How did it effect you and how did you react to it?

Yeah I experienced bullying quite a bit in middle school and high school. I always felt grateful because for every kid that bullied me I had 10 that were on my side. When I was bullied I wouldn’t get sad because while they may be saying mean things about my legs, I didn’t believe they were correct and I still believe that being on a wheelchair is more fun than they can comprehend.

Your parents refused to let your condition set you apart from your siblings. In what way has such an approach help you develop a strong character?

The way I was raised instilled a strong urge to be independent.

Because my parents never babied me, I had to adapt and find ways to get things done myself.

You also often insist that you are on a wheelchair and not in a wheelchair.

Can you elaborate?

Saying that you are “in a wheelchair” sounds like you are confined to it, that it controls your life. But by changing it to “on a wheelchair” it then becomes the same as someone riding a bike or skateboard!

How did YouTube and social media help deliver your message?

Social media and YouTube have given me the platform to reach more people with my tricks. They let me reach more people in more countries and have helped me inspire way more people than I ever thought.

Your goal is to push forwards, be creative and break new ground. So what’s next for you?

I would like to help progress WCMX to new levels and I do have my eyes set on a double front flip!!

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10

Triple Threat Performer 15 / Malta

How did it all start?

I am a triple threat which means; I sing, dance and act. I started all at the age of 3 by attending dance as well as musical theatre classes.

What do you love most about dancing and acting?

I love telling stories in a different way. Musicals are stories shared by means of music and dance. Musicals are also an opportunity for me to inspire and encourage other people. It also gives me the possibility to make other people smile.

How do acting and dancing fit well together?

Musicals are the perfect medium to bring together singing, acting, and dancing. My singing is complementary to my acting as well as my dancing, thus giving me the possibility to entertain my audience in the best possible manner.

What motivates you?

Targets, the possibility to learn new things and the need to improve my abilities are what motivate me. I want to succeed and so continuously work hard to reach my goals.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Definitely, my mum and dad. They invest so much in me. I surely couldn’t ask for better parents because they are simply the best. Me and my older brother are blessed to have such wonderful parents. I am also thankful for the support I get from my closest friends and my teachers who give me so much valuable advice to achieve my dreams.

What do you think of Social Media?

I love social media; with Instagram I can keep up with all my international friends and teachers. It’s also a great way to find auditions and opportunities. It can be a bad thing though, so just make sure you are aware of what you post and who you follow.

What project is still on your bucket list?

I don’t really plan a bucket list. I take everything one step at a time and make sure to grab every opportunity that comes along. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to train every weekend in the UK with leading people in the industry. Travelling every weekend can be tiring but certainly worth it.

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Artist 15 / Denmark / selftaught :)

I really enjoy drawing faces,

they are an opportunity to express my attention to detail, expressions, features, colour and creativity.

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What does art mean to you?

Art is how I fit into my surroundings.

It is how I meet new people, make new friends and seize new opportunities.

What attracted you to art?

I always considered art as the perfect medium to create something really unique. It is a way of creating something new, something that has never been seen, heard or experienced before.

You often use bright colours. How come?

I believe bright colours bring to life every face I draw, they also accentuate the details in the face such as the eyes, the lips and hair. Bright colours are also what make my work stand out.

What message do you want to convey through your art?

Everyone has some talent, ability or skill that can be an opportunity for himself to succeed in life with.

What’s next for you?

I want to continue developing my talent as an artist and hope it can gradually develop into my profession.

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Swimmer 12 / Malta Club Sliema Acquatic Sports t School Student - National Spor

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I wa r sports – d e v a numbe lo s nast for I alway m y g a y onall r and swimme d competed nati n ntually a v nes. E e li of years ip c is d port ming as in both s on swim y first s u c fo d to ber m I decide . I remem I was 9 rt o p s in hen my ma ls and w ia tr wimming e m ti ational S to race, N e th ng in s ecstatic competi ips. I wa h s n tterfly io p 50m bu Cham e d th in ced as aroun have pla in a medal. It w to n w isio race and at I took the dec oals. g th e ic if m c ti t spe that r and se ave a purpose e rd a h train to h at my g began Swimmin eyond the fact th ractice tb to p and wen d me up e n ig s d ha love it. parents egan to b I . rt o a sp

When did you start taking swimming seriously?

Swimming was simply a pastime, until I started realising that I was getting good times and that it could be more than just that…

What is your practice schedule and how do you manage swimming along with studies?

At the moment I swim 6 to 8 times a week – on some days twice a day and that includes also sessions before school.

The schedule is back-to-back. My studies are scheduled for when I am back from the pool or at the weekend. I also allocate time to unwind at the end of the day; to read, write or play some music.

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How do you keep yourself motivated?

My family have always helped me with this. We are a family of 7 and therefore the cheering and encouragement never fails.

However, there are days when my motivation suffers and would rather have an extra hour of sleep or relax instead of waking up early to swim.

I feel every athlete goes through a difficult phase at some point in their life. That is where my family remind me where I started from, my ‘point of departure’ and how far I’ve come ever since. This grounds me and brings back my motivation.

Why is swimming a good all-round activity?

There are various aspects to swimming and perhaps some might not be excited by swimming up and down the same lane over and over again. However once you focus on why you are doing the sport and set your own challenges it becomes the best sport ever.

In my view, swimming can also be a form of meditation and the actual flow of water can be very calming. It is also a sport that can give you lots of travel opportunities, competing with other established athletes, learning from them and exploring the world of swimming outside Malta.

Any goals for the years to come?

Focusing on getting better swim times… pushing COVID behind and making sure I work hard towards my goals. My primary goal is always to make sure I do my best.

Over the years Sophia broke national age group records including three in 2019 (age group 9-10) in 50m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 50m breastroke (Sophia broke her own previous record).

A year later she obtained the 400m freestyle age group (11-12) record.

Sophia is currently supported by COROS Malta 15

Nicolò Momesso How does it feel to win the Junior MasterChef at the age of 11?

It is hard to describe that feeling.

It was so sudden and unexpected. All I can say is that my Junior MasterChef experience made me understand that food is my passion.

Where does your passion for cooking come from?

It all started thanks to my grandmother, with whom I spent many hours in the kitchen.

Sweet or salty?

I prefer salty, both for cooking and for eating.

What is your favourite ingredient?

I have no favourite ingredients. I like everything.

I believe this is a huge plus in the kitchen.

Can you tell us a little about your TV debut in the gastronomic column of I Fatti Vostri?

I really enjoyed my experience leading the kitchen section at “I fatti vostri”. It was an opportunity for me to develop both from a professional and personal point of view.

It was also an opportunity to meet other leading Italian celebrities.

What role does sport play in your daily life?

Sport is very important in my life.

I regularly go to the gym yet also practice martial arts.

What dreams does a class of 2004 have?

My dream is to open restaurants in various cities around the world.

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Chef / Actor / 17 / Italy

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Artist / 14 / Chile

Tell us about your process, where do your ideas stem from?

My ideas are revealed in my creations,.

They come from what I feel at the moment and my mind helps me with colours and strokes.

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Do you remember your first encounter with art?

What made you want to be an artist?

It is a talent I acquired and was transmitted by my father. My first encounter with art was in Italy when I was 7 years old. There we visited many museums.

I saw many works of art that fascinated me like the work of “Creation”, that is why my last work was called “Venice ”.

How do you describe your style?

My style of art is varied. I love hyper-realism because it is quite demanding since it is like copying a fingerprint. On the other hand I also enjoy creating because I release all my feelings and capture them on a canvas.

How do you want people to feel when they see your work?

I want to convey to people joy, calmness, peace and positivity. Above all, I want them to be impressed.

Whose work do you admire and why?

My points of reference are Fabiano Millani and Marcello Barenghi. However I also admire great artists such as Michelangelo, Salvador Dalí and Leonardo da Vinci.

What can we expect to see from you in the near future?

Quite a difficult question.

I have quite a number of surprises in store.

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Why isn’t dancing just for girls?

Dancing is for everyone. It hurts my ears hearing

this kind of question in the year 2021. Sure, more girls practice dance than boys, but I do firmly believe that all sports and activities are open to everyone, irrespective of gender, colour or race.

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I was born in the world of dance. My late mum was Alicia Joy, herself a well-known dancer/ teacher, who taught me to dance before I could walk! I was already performing with my mum’s dance group, the Alicia Joy Dancers, at the age of 3. I lost my mum when I was 9 years old, but I do know that those few years with mum, instilled in me the love and passion to dance and to perform. Today, I cannot live without my dance, performing or teaching.

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A Classroom With No Walls

By Warren Bugeja, Executive Communications, Heritage Malta

o see.” , t g e o r f im t ll g a n m s lo “I saw a ying for a uġa Primary School, a r p n e e b d a Birżebb which I h dent from

ar . ix stu park of Għ iar, a year sface beaming with joy re g a tu h a u n B e y h t m t A ing abou ool trip to ounts, her assar’s sch cave itself and learn eagerly rec C a li u J f o old ght , the highli 0,000-yearMeanwhile the silence of the 50 Dalam was

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‘Ġnien Dinja Waħda’, a new initiative launched by Heritage Malta, has been conceived as an extension of the classroom, where textbooks come to life and students participate in a handson experiential exploration of the natural world around them. Teachers are encouraged to hold lessons in the tranquil seating area encircling a freshwater pond in the recently opened ‘One World Garden’. There, enveloped by indigenous and endemic trees and shrubs and released from the confines of the classroom, students are motivated to explore, touch, and observe what they have been studying in their curriculum.

To begin with, this autumn, the Education and Outreach department within Heritage Malta has designed an educational programme with Year Six Students in mind. When taking part in the programme, classes are divided into groups of six students, each of which engages in various thirty-minute long alternating activities.

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These include pond dipping, where children get to examine the pond’s fauna at close quarters under the tutelage of the site’s curator; visits inside Għar Dalam itself, focusing on the 500,000-year-old cave as a natural habitat for different species; a nature-trail observational activity, encouraging students to record and take note of what they see on a set activity sheet; and a bark-rubbing activity where students transfer onto paper the natural patterns found on tree trunks and branches. The experience continues with a tour of the recently overhauled Museum interpretation centre, where after looking at the skeletons of small-sized elephants and hippopotami, which once roamed Malta’s prehistoric forests, students are treated to an animated cartoon bringing what they have just surveyed and interacted with to life. Transport costs to and from the students’ school is covered by Heritage Malta Ġnien Dinja Waħda follows in the footsteps of similar spaces that have been created in several educational institutions with the help of BirdLife Malta, where students may feel at one with nature and grasp knowledge in an applied, rather than abstract, way. The focus is on edutainment, where students learn in a tactile manner, using all their senses in fun, stimulating, and enjoyable activities that encourage them to move about and expend their natural energy, be participative and inquisitive.

Dr. Paul Portelli, curator for Għar Dalam, is quick to point out that besides being available for use by visitors of all ages both individually and in groups, the garden was not just limited to teachers of sciences or social sciences.

“What is more fitting for an English teacher to be holding a poetry reading on the subject of nature when surrounded by it?” he suggests.

At the inauguration of ‘Ġnien Dinja Waħda’ Heritage Malta CEO Mr Noel Zammit spoke of the importance of such initiatives, the latest installment “in a long series of education and outreach activities offering alternative means of teaching children.”

He stressed Heritage Malta’s commitment not just towards education but also towards the environment. For example, one internal initiative involved tree planting by the agency’s employees in their own homes for the later transfer of the trees to Heritage Malta sites. This was replicated by the Birżebbuġa students who,following a seed sowing session, were given the indigenous tree seedlings to nurture back at school. The young saplings will later be collected from each school and planted at Għar Dalam and other Heritage Malta sites, giving these students not only a taste of our natural heritage but also a sense of partial ‘ownership’ of the site, helping to foster a budding relationship with the nature park.

Mr Zammit urged students to also make good use of their Heritage Malta passport, which allows them free access to various historical sites and museums. “Education is not confined to walls, and every site could lend itself to relevant, hands-on, quality learning” Dr Frank Fabri, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Education, concurred whilst endorsing the collaboration between the Ministry for Education and Heritage Malta.

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Bassist 12 / Indonesia

What does music mean to you?

They say ”once a musician, always a musician”.

I really love music. It is a lifestyle and it encourages me to develop further my skills as a bassist.

How did you gravitate to the bass?

I was exposed to the world of music from a very young age by learning the piano. Yet the bass was something which I grew to love more and more by listening to leading bassists. Today the bass is my source of expression and inspiration.

Who are some of the bass players you admire?

Mohini Dey, Hendrik Linder and Billy Sehan.

How does social media help you communicate your talent out there?

Social media is an excellent platform to introduce young talents. They expose us to the outside world and offer us a window to the music industry.

Do you have any wish list?

I do and it includes, a dingwall bass, a darkglass bass effect, be a cool bassist, be able to tour the world playing bass and make my family happy.

What advice would you give someone who dreams to become a bassist?

You have to love the bass, practice with passion, don’t give up easily, and enjoy every step.

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The

Ilona Deguara

Shadow Within

Communication within relationships, particularly intimate ones, can be hard at times. The dynamics between two human beings is no straight road and this is especially true for the dynamics created in abusive relationships. One cannot go on talking about abusive relationships without first going over what abuse actually is.

How would you define abuse?

What would abusive behaviour look like to you?

What does a perpetrator look like?

According to Cambridge Dictionary (2021), abuse is defined as “[the] use of something for the wrong purpose in a way that is harmful or morally wrong”. The ‘something’ here can refer to anything from substances to someone’s trust or body. If we had to apply this to the context of domestic abuse, we

refer to the abuse – be it physical, mental, emotional, sexual, financial etc – which is taking place within the domestic context. This can come from a partner – no matter the gender, a parent, a child towards their parents as well as other variations.

For more information, contact us on 22959000 or on our Supportline 179.

Ilona Deguara is the Coordinator of the STOP! The Violence and Abuse Service of Agenzija Appogg, Foundation for Social Welfare Services. The service aims to assist persons who are abusive in intimate relationships, to become aware of, understand and take responsibility for their behaviour, thus encouraging change.

We often have clients of ours who describe their abusive or aggressive episodes as; one which was like a darkness coming over them; something they feel was out of their control; something they did not know was wrong; something they did not intend to do; something done in the heat of the moment; a way in which they communicate their feelings when they cannot address them; or something they are sorry for. The truth is, abusive or aggressive behaviour is not a healthy way of communicating our feelings. Anger is a way of masking our real feelings, we end up hurting the ones we love most and we escalate the situation, whatever that may be.

If you’re able to recongise that your way of coping is through anger, and recongise that you are aggressive or abusive towards someone in your domestic setting, then reach out for support. Work on creating a safe environment for those closest to you.

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