The Gozo Federation Persons with Disability organised a seminar – ID-DIZABILTA`, L-KULTURA U L-ISPORT’ – on the involvement of persons with disability in cultural and sports activities.

The seminar, which was held on Friday at the Sannat Primary School, included live performances, sharing of experiences and a discussion on the subject.

During this seminar, the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana pointed out that the Parliamentary Secretariat is committed to giving every person with disabilities the same opportunities based on a National level.

“That is why there is ongoing work by the Secretariat to open a branch of Special Olympics Gozo, in order to be able to give new opportunities for sport and physical activity to people with intellectual disabilities.”

The Special Olympics Mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectual disability, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.?

Those in Gozo who would like to register interest, you can download the official leaflet or call 2590 3175.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that during the coming months more projects will be announced for the disabled in Gozo, including residential care and other initiatives linked to Dar Arka.

Dr Caruana urged persons with disabilities to continue to be active in society, and to take advantage of new projects being announced, including the Ghajnsielem Learning Hub for Disabled which has just been inaugurated She gave her thanks to the Federation and all those who work with people with disabilities.

The Minister for Gozo, Anton Refalo said that disability does not, necessarily mean inability. He reiterated the importance of the participation of persons with special needs in any field, and therefore the need for a more active and inclusive role.

Dr Refalo also reiterated that a call had been issued early in November for proposals to build a swimming pool in Gozo. This pool is not just for water sports, but will include bathing areas accessible to the elderly and persons with special needs, as well as for school children.

Refalo Minister concluded his speech by confirming the support and commitment of the Ministry for Gozo in this area, saying that it is always ready to help in any way possible.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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