European Commissioner for Equality Helena Dalli is expected to visit Malta to attend the Special Olympics Malta event which will take place between May 14 and May 17.

The upcoming Special Olympics in Malta will seek to showcase the skills and abilities of around 1,000 special olympic athletes coming from 25 different countries.

During a meeting in Brussels with EU Commissioner Dalli, Lydia Abela, who is the President of Special Olympics Malta, said that sports unites and is a crucial tool for inclusion.

“The Games in Malta will be a testament to how people with intellectual disabilities and others can learn together and live together in an equal and inclusive manner,” Abela said.

She explained that in addition to the competitive games in six sports disciplines including, swimming, athletics, football, table tennis and bowling, there will be a waterpolo game between athletes with different with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team.

On the eve of the opening of the games, a forum will be held in collaboration with the University of Malta for professionals, students, parents and athletes on the inclusion in sport for people with intellectual disabilities in the education system.  

Meanwhile, Special Olympics EU President David Evangelista, Special Olympics Director Malta Anna Calleja, Vice President of Special Oympics EU Christo Velkov, together with Lydia Abela, invited the EU Commissioner Dalli to come to Malta for the event.

“Special Olympics must be the most important and strong partner in the European Commision’s vision for a more inclusive and equal Europe. This event allows people with disabilities to have easy access to all opportunities to reach their full potential,” Evangelista said.

Dalli highlighted that she was looking forward to the Special Olympics in Malta, as well as to linking the goals of the event with the Equality Union and the rights of people with disabilities.