The Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana, today concluded an agreement with Special Olympics Malta on the establishment of Special Olympics Gozo.

Justyne Caruana stated that the Government is committed to meeting the measures of the National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, especially those particular measures which talk about the right of people with disabilities to enjoy cultural events and engage in sports and the arts, the same as people without disabilities.

She said that through this agreement, disabled people in Gozo will have the same opportunities as those living in Malta to participate in Special Olympics through the programmes offered by Special Olympics Malta.

Through this contract, the Secretariat will be financing the project in Gozo through the purchase of new equipment to be used during sports training, for sports facilities, for coaches and other costs related to the operation of this service.

Dr Caruana explained how the branch of Special Olympics Gozo will start operating in the new Ghajnsielem Learning Hub for the Disabled.

Justyne Caruana concluded by stating that through this contract, this will be a non-governmental association operating on a truly national level, because now Gozitan disabled people and their families will also have this same opportunity.

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.

Anna Calleja Director of Special Olympics Malta, said that this is a dream that has been worked on for ten years and it was only thanks to the commitment and dedication of Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana, that they now have a branch of Special Olympics in Gozo.

Anna Calleja said that there is already strong interest from Gozo, and Gozitan athletes are being prepared for the upcoming games in Cyprus.

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

Photograph: DOI/Jeremy Wonnacott

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