GO has pledged its full support to a young athlete, member of the Special Olympics Malta and will back the organisation’s sterling work towards preparing a team of Maltese athletes for the Special Olympic World Games to be held in Shanghai, China later this year.

Special Olympics Malta commits itself to providing training and sports therapy on an ongoing basis to individuals with an intellectual disability, offering these persons an equal opportunity to integrate into society. Sports in general provide a powerful platform giving these persons the drive required to help them integrate into the community.

“We are delighted to have this unique opportunity to support young athletes who will be participating in the Special Olympic World Games. We have no doubt that the athletes will again do our country proud and sheer determination on their part will guarantee success so that once again they return to Malta with medals and outstanding results,” said Maria Jourdan, manager for sponsorships and corporate social responsibility at GO.

The Special Olympics team from Malta comprises 20 athletes and brings together a dynamic mix of sports disciplines ranging from athletics and aquatics to bowling and gymnastics. The Maltese team will join forces with 7,000 competing athletes from a total of 160 countries. Some 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 officials, as well as thousands of family members and friends, are expected to team up with the athletes in Shanghai and play their own significant roles in the Special Olympic World Games, cheering on participants, spurring them on and applauding their efforts.