A contingent of 50 athletes and their coaches will be travelling to Abu Dhabi on March 8th to participate in the Special Olympics World Games.  

Speaking at a press conference held at Girgenti Palace, Special Olympics National Director Anna Calleja said that these athletes have been training intensively for the last 18 months and are now ready to face the challenges that await them. These athletes will participate in athletics, aquatics, bocce, bowling, unified bowling, golf, gymnastics, cycling, triathlon, and table tennis. 

President of Special Olympics Michelle Muscat said that the Special Olympics have now grown to form the largest sports disability NGO on the island, registering over 1,800 athletes and their families. "This leap has been the result of a strong collaboration between Special Olympics Malta and The Marigold Foundation. Whereas this contingent has been training to face the highest of levels at the forthcoming World Games, other athletes have been actively participating in diverse European and national games. Coaches have been privately trained to cater for these demands and to provide these athletes with the latest professional training. All this was made possible by funds raised during Michelle Muscat's annual swimming challenge under the daily coaching of National Director Anna Calleja."

The press ceremony ended with all athletes,  coaches, and directors pronouncing the Special Olympics Oath: 'Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'