Two hundred and fifty athletes from 35 countries dived into five days of racing at the Special Olympics European Swimming Open Malta 2026. Hosted by Special Olympics Malta at the National Pool Complex from 10 to 14 September, the competition featured 25m, 50m and 100m individual events, along with 4×25m freestyle relays for male, female and mixed teams.
The event ran under the theme ‘Beyond the Wave’ about going past limits both in the pool and outside of it, with the support of the Government of Malta, Sport Malta, and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta. Special Olympics swimmers of all ability levels took part, from first-time competitors to experienced racers.
“Hosting the Special Olympics Malta Swimming European Open 2026 is far more than just hosting an international sporting competition,” said Anna Calleja, Special Olympics Malta National Director. “It is a powerful statement about the Malta we believe in, where every athlete is valued, every ability is recognised, and every person has the right to participate, compete and achieve. This is our opportunity to put Malta on the international map for all the right reasons. As a country that believes in equality, celebrates ability, and opens its doors and its heart to every athlete.”
The commitment to a great experience was clear from the start. The Opening Ceremony on 10 September at the National Pool Complex began with the traditional parade of athletes, followed by an artistic swimming performance inspired by Maltese history and culture, and ended with the torch being lit by a cannon.
Speakers included Dr Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta; Sven Albrecht, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia; Gilmour Borg, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger for Special Olympics; and Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.
More than 1,000 people volunteered: together, they set the tone for a celebration of inclusive sport.
Away from the pool, the programme was just as full. At the Athlete Village set up at the pool complex, more than 500 athletes with intellectual disabilities could train, socialize and try everything from bocce to video games. A cultural evening sent athletes on a scavenger hunt through Mdina, a fun way to explore Malta's history and traditions in the heart of the island.
Health and physical activity stayed central throughout the week. On 9 September, the Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) demonstration brought together more than 100 athletes with severe intellectual and physical disabilities, reflecting Malta's place as home to one of the largest MATP programmes in the world. The session was led by Dr Eleni Rossides, Special Olympics Global Advisor for MATP, with Athlete Leader Gilmour Borg stepping in as an MATP coach for the first time.
He said: "This MATP experience was amazing, my first time as a coach. Part of my work is going to the centres and working with the athletes, and today, we've seen the improvements.
Today I was assisting a wheelchair user: he had to lift his leg to kick a dice we positioned over a cone. Seeing the foot effort of him doing it, even when he had doubts and we kept encouraging him, inspired me a lot. MATP athletes do not compete against each other, but they compete with themselves. That's the true meaning of inclusion, that shows that sport really is for everyone. Whatever their ability, all athletes got their chance to shine."
Also, Healthy Athletes offered swimmers free screenings in areas including vision, mental health and podiatry, with more than 1,300 delivered over four days. The Opening Eyes programme, supported by Lions Clubs International Foundation, was a highlight, providing 77 pairs of prescription glasses and 20 pairs of prescription swimming goggles.
From competition and health services to culture and connection, everything was built around the swimmers. They showed what they can do, made friends and discovered the beautiful country of Malta.
