The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation and Special Olympics Malta signed an agreement marking an important step in the national commitment toward inclusive education and the well-being of athletes.
The agreement establishes a strategic framework for collaboration, strengthening sport as a means of inclusion, autonomy, and holistic development within the country's educational ecosystem.
As announced in this year's Budget, the Government allocated €1 million to Special Olympics Malta. This direct investment in children and young people strengthens the organization's capacity to expand structured sports training, health screening initiatives, and family support services, thereby contributing further to a more inclusive society so that athletes with intellectual disabilities can fully thrive.
The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, Clifton Grima, praised the resilience and determination of Special Olympics Malta athletes, saying they are an inspiration to everyone. Minister Grima recalled the long-standing collaboration between SportMalta and Special Olympics, not only through substantial financial assistance enabling athletes to participate in the International Special Olympics Games and overseas training camps, but also through training initiatives.
"Sport has the power to bring the community together and give every person the opportunity to show their potential, regardless of the challenges they face. This agreement is proof of that, as a Government, we remain committed to continuing to invest so that we keep creating more educational and sporting opportunities and initiatives for everyone," said Minister Grima.
Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta, explained that through this agreement, Special Olympics Malta will host the largest swimming event ever organized locally for persons with intellectual disabilities, with athletes from 36 countries coming to Malta for this event.
"Success for Special Olympics Malta is not measured solely by medals won, but by the development and growth of each athlete," emphasized Abela.