Since the beginning of this school year, four Physical Education teachers have been appointed by the Centre for Physical Education and Sport within the Ministry of Education to focus specifically on programs of which Special Olympics Malta is a part.
This was announced during a visit to Dr Kalkara Primary School by Dr Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta, and Minister for Education Justyne Caruana, accompanied by Head of School Maryanne Cachia.
The four teachers attended voluntary training during the summer months organized by Special Olympics Malta, and these teachers – three stationed in Malta and one in Gozo – are currently visiting all primary schools. In collaboration with the school administration a central database of students who are eligible to benefit from these types of programs has been drawn up.
In addition, an exercise is being carried out by assessing student participation in after-school programs launched by Special Olympics Malta, while the necessary arrangements are being made to attract more participants to this field.
After visiting the students in the classrooms, Dr Abela and Minister Caruana were informed of all the details related to this project by the education officers within the ministry Kevin Azzopardi and Marvin Spiteri, as well as by Anna Calleja. , National Director of Special Olympics Malta.
As President of Special Olympics Malta, Dr Lydia Abela stressed that it is very gratifying for her that a program is being launched in collaboration with the Center for Physical Education and Sport within the Ministry of Education. “The benefit of this program is the holistic development of each student with different abilities,” said Dr. Abela. She explained how important it is that we not only talk about inclusion, but also launch concrete projects for it to be practiced, in this case, in our schools. She also stressed that this program is a clear sign that both as a country and as a government, we are paying particular attention to inclusiveness, especially when it comes to sport. Dr. Abela thanked all those involved for their commitment and dedication.
