With the help of Special Olympics we are seeing sport being elevated and becoming more inclusive – Dr Lydia Abela during a sports activity aimed at strengthening inclusion in schools

The Prime Minister's wife Dr Lydia Abela attended a sporting activity organised at the Helen Keller School, in collaboration between St Benedict's Primary School Qrendi, St Benedict's College and Special Olympics Malta. This initiative brought together 80 students, including students with physical disabilities, in a shared sporting experience that promoted inclusion, participation and mutual respect. Dr Lydia Abela, who is also the President of Special Olympics Malta, described this initiative as brilliant and a clear example of inclusiveness. "This is the first school where we are seeing collaboration between St. Benedict's, Helen Keller and St. Benedict's Primary School, where with the help of Special Olympics we are seeing sport being elevated and becoming more inclusive," said Dr. Lydia Abela. She added that there are plans to include other schools in the future, where Special Olympics will use its resources, such as equipment and coaches, to make sport in schools across Malta and Gozo increasingly inclusive. Dr Abela concluded by saying that sport is an important and very powerful means for inclusion. During this activity, particular importance was given to the Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP) – a programme that plays a crucial role in supporting students with complex needs to actively participate with their peers. The Prime Minister's wife thanked educators, and all the entities involved, for their commitment to increasingly inclusive schools and communities. Helen Keller School is the first school in our country to be awarded Unified Champions recognition by Special Olympics. Also present for this activity was Her Excellency Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. Photo: OPM