The 25th anniversary of the handing of the Corradino football ground to Hibernians Football Club was marked during a ceremony which was held on Wednesday at the Hibernians Stadium. In fact, on November 9th, 1986, President Tony Bezzina was presented with the keys for the Hibs Ground by the then Public Works Minister Lorry Sant.

Bezzina announced that thanks to the support of the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Lands Dr Jason Azzopardi and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli, the club was granted a piece of land of the size of over nine tumoli, on a long-term lease basis, on which the club will be building a sports complex which will include a bo??i pitch, Medical Centre, multi-purpose stadium which will also host Futsal and an outdoor swimming pool.

Clyde Puli said the government was granting sixteen pieces of land, having a commercial value of around €2 million, to thirteen clubs bringing this to a total of 124 pieces of land for a commercial value of €46 million that were given on a long-term lease to clubs and associations.

Puli said this was a clear sign of faith the government has in clubs and associations as they are investing in order to help the government achieve its objective of spreading a sports culture.

Jason Azzopardi said this was the biggest devolution of land to a particular club and could have attracted a commercial rent of €50,000. Hibernians will be paying a subsidised annual fee of €900.

Hibernians honorary president Salvu Sant explained how the football ground, which was originally used by the English servicemen, was eventually transferred to Hibernians F.C. Together with Hibs President Tony Bezzina, he unveiled a commemorative plaque marking this anniversary.

Meanwhile the club reached a new sponsorship agreement with Italian betting company www.hibsgaming.com

Photos: DOI – Pierre Sammut