Through a collaboration between Aġenzija Sapport and the Croatian association UNUO, 12 disabled people took part in an international gastronomy competition – Cupi’s Spoon – which was held in our country for the second time.
The Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia Portelli and the CEO of Aġenzija Sapport Oliver Scicluna visited this competition.
The participants, all disabled people who are over 18 years old, had the opportunity to show their abilities through cooking or preparing cocktails which were presented to three members of the following jury from the field of hospitality, sport and broadcasting. Together they gave scores based on the preparation process of the chosen dish or cocktail and on the presentation. The winners will be representing Malta in the finals of this competition in Croatia later this year.
Cupi’s Spoon is an initiative of UNUO, where representatives tour several European countries with a van that serves as a base where people with disabilities can prepare their dish or cocktail, which van tours European countries throughout the year until they are selected -winners from each country. During the visit to Malta, the President of the UNUO association Vedran Habel and the CEO of Aġenzija Sapport Oliver Scicluna signed an agreement through which from next year Aġenzija Sapport will be the licensed entity in Malta that represent UNUO and upload the Malta edition of Cupi’s Spoon.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli praised this project and explained how it will continue to shape inclusion. “By providing a platform where everyone can show their skills and creativity, we are breaking down barriers and emphasizing that talent knows no limits. This competition will offer tools and support to ensure that participants can cook to the best of their abilities, while reflecting our dedication as Government to make opportunities accessible to all.”
“Emancipation is central to our inclusion strategy and this project encourages individuals with disabilities to be proud of their abilities and to inspire others with their achievements. We are also seeing that through it we emphasize the importance of self-confidence,” concluded the Minister.
During the opening of this activity which took place in St. George Square, Valletta, the CEO Oliver Scicluna praised this UNUO initiative through which disabled people are being given a space where they can continue to develop their abilities and their interest in cooking and even acquire experiences at an international level. Mr. Scicluna continued that the Agency is therefore committed to giving its support so that this initiative in Malta is strengthened and reaches an increasing number of participants with the aim of increasing inclusion in this sector during to open up new opportunities for people with disabilities.
The winners who will be representing Malta in Croatia later this year are Hope Brincat who won the cooking category and Ryan Magro who won the cocktail category. The winners will be given the opportunity to go to Croatia with the support of the organizers of Cupi’s Spoon, the UNUO Association. This is in addition to the fact that part of their visit will also include an audience with the Pope in Rome together with the winners from the other participating countries.
Also present was Margaret Xerri, a disabled person who uses the services of Aġenzija Sapport, who in 2023 won the Cupi’s Spoon edition in Malta,
Photo: MIV
