Vodafone Malta Foundation is renewing its support to Special Olympics Malta as the official partner of the organisation, enabling the participation of a delegation of 19 athletes to participate in the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games which will be held in Shanghai between 2 and 11 October.
The athletes accompanied by six coaches, two heads of delegation, one assistance staff and a group of 24 parents, family and friends will fly off to China to participate in an event which will bring together more than 7,000 athletes from nearly 170 nations. The Maltese team will participate in athletics, swimming, bowling and gymnastics.
On Wednesday 5 September His Excellency the Archbishop, Mgr Paul Cremona celebrated Holy Mass at Nazzarenu Church, Sliema, for the Special Olympics athletes, their parents, the organisation’s supporters and helpers. Top local band Winter Moods performed during the event.
The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will unite the world through sports, celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities and forming a new global vision of acceptance. Throughout the week long competition, athletes will display their athletic skill, determination and courage.
“Through the Foundation’s support Maltese athletes last year participated in the games in Rome and won five gold, six silver and three bronze medals,” said Deborah Grech, secretary of the Vodafone Malta Foundation. “We are delighted to partner with this organisation again this year to enable our athletes to participate alongside other Special Olympics organisations from across the globe, and support local events during the coming year.”
“Special Olympics believes in creating new, more harmonious communities around the world – places where each person, regardless of ability or disability, is accepted and welcomed and where every individual contributes to the strength and vibrancy on the whole. The 2007 World Games will provide a global stage to exhibit Special Olympic’ power to create harmony. We would like to thank the Vodafone Malta Foundation for their ongoing support and their assistance for these games and for all other Special Olympics Activities,” said Anna Calleja, Chairperson of Special Olympics Malta.
This event, organised by Special Olympics, a global leader in intellectual disability, marks the first time it is being held in Asia. In addition to exciting sports competition in 23 Olympic-type sports, the event will host the world’s largest forums on intellectual disability uniting world leaders, celebrities, medical professionals, media influencers and youths to discuss the status of people with intellectual disability throughout the world and the opportunities in making a change. The 2007 World Summer Games will be the largest event in Special Olympics history.
Special Olympics Malta are also supported by Megaline Ltd, Eurosport, P.Cutajar & Sons, Naxxar, St. Paul's Bay and Santa Lucija Local Councils, Farsons Foundation, HSBC Bank Malta plc, Foster Clark, De La Rue, BOV, Emirates, Kunsill Nazzjonali ghall-Isport, RM Design Ltd and Victoria Insurance Ltd.