The Maltese Government today took an important step to advance social inclusion by officially ratifying its commitment to the Global Coalition for the Inclusion of the Special Olympics by signing an agreement for this purpose.
This event was attended by a delegation led by the President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista and was chaired by the President of Special Olympics Malta Dr. Lydia Abela and the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima.
The Ministry for Education is confirming the amount of €600,000 as support for the growth of the Special Olympics programs throughout the country. These funds will benefit Unified Sports, the Motorized Activity Training Program (MATP), and improve ongoing initiatives led by Special Olympics Malta. Unified Sports is one of the most effective programs offered by Special Olympics, which brings together athletes with intellectual disabilities and other athletes to play on the same team.
With Malta’s investment, Unified Sports will now be available in more sports clubs and community centers across the country, making it easier for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate and be part of their local sports communities. In addition, the expansion of the Motorized Activity Training Program (MATP) will provide individuals with severe intellectual disabilities with physical activities tailored to their abilities. This programme is crucial to allow greater participation in sport and improvement in the quality of life of individuals.
Regarding this commitment, Minister Clifton Grima said “Our participation in the Global Coalition for Inclusion is testimony to Malta’s dedication to creating equal opportunities for all. We believe that sport unites people, and by investing in the Special Olympics programs, we are not only giving help to people with intellectual disabilities but we are strengthening our communities as a whole.”
The President of Special Olympics Malta Dr. Lydia Abela stated that the fact that Malta is one of the first signatory countries of this Global Coalition for Inclusion, this reaffirms our country’s commitment in favor of inclusiveness. She stressed that Special Olympics Malta is committed to continuing its work in favor of more inclusivity and here she made reference to the initiatives that have already been taken including that Malta had a Unified Sports team participating in the Special Olympics World Games, as well as that the A Sports School is welcoming students for the Special Olympics and the Paralympics.
The President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, David Evangelista said, “Malta’s commitment to inclusion reflects a deep understanding of how much sport unites the community. With this investment in Unified Sports and by supporting people with intellectual disabilities in schools and in the whole community, Malta is helping to create a more inclusive society. We are laying the foundations for a future where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate in society. This is much more than a sport; it is the creation of a world that cherishes and includes everyone”.
As one of the early members of this agreement, Malta is setting an example for Member States across the European Union and beyond, showing that meaningful inclusion requires collaboration between sectors and commitment with funding and support.
Photos: MEYR/DOI
