There are norms and constants in life that should be the basis of equality for everyone. This is not merely a simple philosophical axiom, considering that human nature itself has established its own basics, processes and cycles. On the other hand, many still perceive 'normal' in terms of the many versus the few. For them - and for most of us - the many are mighty, while the few are practically outside what is considered 'normal'.

Over the years, mankind has known how to twist and juggle within the rugged path for the 'survival of the fittest', hence establishing set parameters within society. Worse still, the concept of 'normal' has become so varied and subjective that norms and constants have turned into hurdles to anyone who holds to them. It all proves that we can only address this unfair scenario with a determined and holistic effort to re-establish a level playing field for both the many and the few alike. It all boils down to the rightful equality for each member of our community - whatever their abilities!

These thoughts came to mind while I was in Los Angeles to support our own athletes at the World Special Olympics. Witnessing their enthusiasm and the formidable organisational skills of their leader, Anna Calleja, and her team, I felt truly honoured and privileged to be among them: not only as the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for the Rights of Persons with a Disability, but also as part of the larger community that is fast learning to be more aware of this reality and is striving to establish equal opportunities and standards for everyone.

I had already witnessed all this some months ago in Belgium during the European Special Olympics. This time around, I have also understood that people with disabilities learn so much throughout their lives. There are life lessons that able-bodied people rarely get to experience. Following our athletes during their training sessions and throughout the games themselves, one cannot fail to be impressed by their courage and determination. It is accepted that having a disability is definitely difficult, but it is also one of the richest classrooms a human can experience!

Living among our athletes at the Special Olympics was an endless learning experience. This direct emotion provided us all with some very special pearls of wisdom that we can pass on. The medals won are certainly a source of great pride to the people of Malta and Gozo but the real reward is in the brave hearts of our young athletes themselves, who successfully surmount their disabilities and demonstrate their high capabilities in the various sporting disciplines. I understood and shared their tears of joy each time they proudly unfurled our national flag among the rest of over 165 participating nations.

Talking with our athletes and their parents and families I could read in their eyes their pride of having come so far. I could savour their exuberance as they described the long journey they had had to undertake and the patience with which they had faced any set-backs. It was indeed heart-warming when they told of their parents' dedication and that of the people of the others who had helped them along the way.

Indeed, we listened to opening speeches by politicians and international personalities while in Los Angeles. But the real lessons come from the participants themselves. During a heart-to-heart with one of our athletes, I felt so inspired when she asserted that "patience can get you through anything". She went on to tell me: "You're told as a little kid how important patience is and as a young person you come to see how true this really is. When you have a disability, however, the patience required is at a whole new level!"

As politicians, we are endlessly engaged in a myriad of discussions and debates about policies, legislation, planning and budgeting. But listening to those for whom we are committed to work is so inspiring. These are the indispensable occasions when we touch base and feel a part of everything that is said or planned.

These are the many things I could share during formal and informal meetings with many Ministers from different countries who have been following their own athletes during these World Special Olympics. It was another opportunity to feel proud when telling others what we have achieved in the fields of accessibility, employment and other aspects for our own people with disabilities.

While I was in Los Angeles, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius and I both attended the DOHA Goals Programme 2015, organised in view of the ongoing world games. There we attended several sessions and workshops - and also discussed how we could create a more inclusive society to promote the abilities of those with disability and diversity through sport. Sporting veterans and legends such as nine Olympic gold medals winner Carl Lewis, nine Olympic gold medals winner Mark Spitz and 22 Olympic medals winner Michael Phelps also actively participated in the conference. During our visit we also met with senior Special Olympics officials such as the chairperson Tim Shriver and Adrianne Regan. We also met our counterparts from Gibraltar and Greece, with whom we discussed possible collaboration in the future.

It was yet another occasion that served to strengthen our determination to work harder: not only to complete the many projects we have in hand and ensure the high quality service we intend to provide, but also to legislate and plan for deserved equality for everybody in Maltese and Gozitan communities.

 

Dr Caruana is the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing