2022 Special Olympics Malta Games will be a celebration of inclusion – Dr Lydia Abela

Around 200 days before the start of the Special Olympics in Malta, Dr Lydia Abela, president of Special Olympics met with the coaches that are in charge of the Maltese athletes.

During the event, Abela announced the six disciplines that will see around 1,000 athletes from 25 countries compete in mid-May next year, in what promises to be the biggest sporting event in Malta in 2022.

The six disciplines that will be contested are athletics, bocce, tenpin bowling, table tennis and swimming.

The Games will be held between May 13 and 18 and the disciplines will be organised at the Marsa Sports Complex, the University Sports Complex and St Julians.

“The coaches are crucial for the development and training of the athletes, particularly for those who work with children and youngsters who have special needs

“The dedication, the commitment, and their discipline is resulting in more inclusion and the strengthening of the athletes’ skills,” Dr Abela said.

The Special Olympics Malta president said that the training being carried out by the coaches of the Maltese athletes is prepared professionally according to the characteristics of every individual and augurs well that the athletes not only enjoy themselves in the Games but also be among the best in the competition.

“This will be the first time that Games of this sort is being held in Malta and I am convinced of the support of all the Maltese people will help these athletes to give everything they have in what promises to be an opportunity of a lifetime where they can compete and achieve the best possible result,” Dr Abela said.

Anna Calleja, the National Director of Special Olympics Malta invited the qualified coaches and the volunteers to join this journey where the Games in Malta will be beneficial for the disabled persons to discover and focus on their abilities.

Oliver Scicluna, the chairperson of the organising committee of the 2022 Games, thanked the coaches and said that preparations are moving at a good pace so that these Games will be a moment of unity and a celebration of inclusion.