The Maltese Government has committed the necessary funds and resources for Malta to host the Special Olympics Games next year.
Prior to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Special Olympics Malta and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, Wife of the Prime Minister Dr Lydia Abela said Malta is truly honoured with its first-ever opportunity to host these special games. “We feel that, as a country which constantly strives to strengthen inclusion, Malta is in the right position to showcase the power of different abilities.”
Dr Abela stated that the Special Olympics Games present the athletes with a life-changing opportunity to compete and achieve results. She stressed that the event encourages a healthy lifestyle and promote physical and mental strength. Hence, while Malta is heavily investing in the quality of life of its people, Malta is the right place at the right time to host this celebration of talent.
The organisation of Special Olympics Games in Malta, following the hardships of the pandemic, creates a great sense of enthusiasm. “The Maltese and Gozitans will be involved in every phase of the event because we are committed to making these the People’s Games, which instil confidence in athletes, celebrate their talents, and show that this country is a model of equality”, concluded Dr Abela.
Parliamentary Secretary for Sport, Recreation and Voluntary Organisations Clifton Grima said that more than 450 athletes participate in the Special Olympics locally. He also stated that these athletes are not just any athletes, as they each have a unique and interesting story to tell.
The parliamentary secretary also added that throughout the years Maltese athletes participated in 20 international sports events and brought home over 300 medals, all signifying hard work, sacrifices and experiences.
Chairperson of the Organising Committee for the May 2022 Games MP Oliver Scicluna said that, through his experience with Special Olympics athletes, he sees that sport helps persons with disability to believe more in their capabilities and as a result, move on in life. He stated that Malta will be ready to welcome athletes from different countries who will benefit from this moment of unity and celebration at Malta’s sports facilities.
President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia David Evangelista said that these games will be about celebrating the human spirit and human dignity – celebrating the ideas of Europe: unity, inclusion, and solidarity. Through these games, we can truly bring European values to the forefront on behalf of people with intellectual disability. Covid-19 has been such a disrupting element around the world, but we are ready to usher in a new era of inclusion in Malta, in Europe and beyond with these games.
Maltese Special Olympics athlete Maria James recounted her personal experience of representing Malta two years ago in Abu Dhabi where she won the silver medal in the 100 meters freestyle in aquatics. She explained the courage and happiness she felt when she was accepted, included, and praised by many people of different cultures. Today Maria James feels she is a proud and determined citizen who can overcome any challenge. She expressed her satisfaction at the fact that Malta will be hosting this feast of unity and appreciating the talents of all her colleagues.
The Memorandum of Understanding, committing the necessary funds and resources for Malta to host the Special Olympics Games, was signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Matthew Vella, National Director of Special Olympics Malta Anna Calleja, and the President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia David Evangelista.
