Special Olympics Malta, supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation, has recently participated in an international football tournament in Lisbon, Portugal, during which they gained second position.

More than 200 young athletes with intellectual disabilities from 22 countries took part.

Malta participated with a contingent of 10 players under the guidance of coach Elaine Bonnici. The players were Joseph Zarb (captain), Kirsten Bonello, Michael Calleja, Nazzareno Mangion, Mark Zammit Cutajar, Antoine Pace, Ishmael Falzon, Simon Caruana, Antonio Chircop and Umberto Latina.

There were 21 teams that participated in the competition, Spain, Belgium, Russia, Ukraine, Serbia, Hungary, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Cyprus, Turkey, Portugal, France, Sweden, Malta, Switzerland, Monaco, Azerbaijan, Luxemberg and Ireland. All these teams were placed in 5 groups according to ability level. Malta had the youngest average age.

“They all played excellent football and showed determination in every game. During the final game, they were very excited,” said Anna Calleja, Head of Delegation.

Accompanying the team were the National Sports Director Mario Meli as assistant Head of the Delegation along with other officials including Naomi Micallef and Joanna Agius.

Monaco were placed first, Malta second, Cyprus third and Luxembourg fourth.

Photo above shows The Special Olympics Malta football team

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