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Key to success of Special Olympics Malta Games

From 14 to 18 May, almost 1,000 athletes from 23 international delegations gathered just outside Valletta to compete in the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games 2022. This was the first international Special Olympics event in Europe in over two years, and what a tremendous success it was! However, none of it would have been possible without one key ingredient: the support of loyal, consistent and generous partners.
A group of men stand in red and white football kits with their hands in the air in celebration in front of event branding.
Special Olympics Gibraltar football team celebrate their triumph at the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games which were held from 14 to 18 May 2022.

Specifically, the Games would not have been possible without the immense support of the Government of Malta and SportMalta who funded the event, as well as that of key advocates at all levels of public life, First Lady of Malta and President of Special Olympics Malta, Dr. Lydia Abela and European Union Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli. Support for visiting delegations was also key with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) to Malta Gwendolyn “Wendy” Green not only leading one of the Special Olympics delegation in the Parade of Athletes, but also supporting the Games before and on the ground throughout.

A woman wearing a blue top and white trousers stands with her arms around a girl wearing a red t-shirt, black trousers and a medal around her neck, both smiling at the camera.
Dr. Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta, with medal-winning Special Olympics Malta athlete at the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games from 14 to 18 May 2022.

Speaking at the Games, Dr. Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta, reflected on why the event attracted such widespread support from partners. She noted, “This event showcased the willpower, the strength, the determination and the commitment of people with intellectual disabilities. Malta was honored to showcase these Games. For our nation, it was the perfect opportunity to show how much we value unity and to celebrate diversity and inclusion. The athletes had a mission in Malta—that mission was to show the world that sport has the power to bring people together and it is better when we are together!”

Anna Calleja, National Director of Special Olympics Malta, worked tirelessly and hand in hand with partners, the Government of Malta and SportMalta to bring the Games to fruition. She noted, “We were working in a difficult and different environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The support of the Government and SportMalta not only allowed us to make progress across projects and in the refurbishment of infrastructure at venues, but also in the delivery of a top class and well-organized Games.”

She added, “Having the support of the Government is huge when it comes to Special Olympics Malta. The fact that the Government is in supporting Special Olympics athletes sends a strong message of inclusion, equality, accountability and trust. Having the support of the Government is setting the bar high, and recognizes us as a National Sport body.”

A man with his arms around two women in the forefront smiles as a large golden torch lights and fireworks go off in the night sky behind them.
Anna Calleja, National Director of Special Olympics Malta, David Evangelista, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games 2022.

David Evangelista, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, also underlined how crucial the support of high-level partners was for the country, the region and Special Olympics globally. He said, “The Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games represent a significant milestone for the movement. As the athletes, and the global community, continue to navigate the pandemic, it is the power of partnership that brought forth this remarkable event of unity, peace and inclusion to the world. The deep partnership forged with the national government of the Republic of Malta, SportMalta, the office of Dr. Lydia Abela and many more made possible not only the Games but a lasting, exciting legacy that stands to enrich Malta, Europe and the world through the example set by the athletes of Special Olympics.”

He added, “The movement of Special Olympics is deeply grateful also for the partnership with the Honorable Commissioner Helena Dalli, as well as key movement partners such as Coca Cola Company, Lions Clubs International Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, and many more in making these Games a most memorable and empowering experience at a time when the world needed it most!”

A group of people stand side by side smiling in front of a sign reading ‘The United States of America’ and a man holding a lit torch in the air.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) to Malta Gwendolyn “Wendy” Green with the United States delegation ahead of the Parade of Athletes at the Special Olympics Malta Invitational Games.

International representatives in Malta also worked to ensure the success of the Games. For U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) to Malta Gwendolyn “Wendy” Green, it was vital to show her support both before and throughout the event.

CDA Green noted, “These Invitational Games in Malta are highly valued by my U.S. embassy team. We have been working in partnership with Special Olympics Malta and Europe for over two years to support this dream. In the lead up to this effort, we teamed up with Special Olympics Malta to welcome a U.S. Sports Envoy delegation, which included Olympic swimmer Donna de Varona and Alec Heuermann, a U.S. Special Olympics World Games double-silver medalist, to deliver a week-long program packed with swimming clinics and educational presentations to promote inclusion in sports.”

CDA Green added, “This partnership is invaluable in advancing inclusion and diversity. We are thrilled to see Malta hosting this international effort and thrilled to see American athletes traveling all the way from Florida and Texas to participate in it.”

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