Special Olympics Kicks Off In Malta Celebrating Unity And Inclusion During Opening Ceremony
The Special Olympics kicked off last night with the opening ceremony at the Cottonera Sports Complex seeing over 200 athletes from the UAE, Cyprus, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Malta.
This year’s theme was “The Champion Within Us”, putting an emphasis on unity, determination, braveness , resilience and courage. These athletes will compete in football, bocce, swimming, athletics and table tennis start today, lasting until this Sunday.
Opening speeches were given by the President of the Special Olympics Malta Lydia Abela, Minister Clifton Grima, Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli and Regional President of the Special Olympics David Evangelista with each speaker highlighting the importance of empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities. Present was also Prime Minister Robert Abela.
Before the opening ceremony, Lydia Abela signed the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion which is a multilateral agreement to support people with intellectual disabilities through inclusive practices in education and sport.
Good luck to all the Maltese athletes competing!
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