Rachel Chircop

Rachel Chircop, 24 years, is a passionate advocate for inclusion. She lives in the picturesque village of Naxxar and works at Identity Malta. In 2020, she graduated with a Degree in Art and Design, combining her creative flair with her love for self-expression.

Beyond her artistic talent, Rachel is a proud Special Olympics Malta bowler. She joined Special Olympics in 2021, when she was struggling to adapt to life beyond school. Through sport, she discovered confidence, courage, and a sense of belonging that shaped her personal and professional journey. Her dedication to bowling led to remarkable achievements. Rachel has represented Malta in various competitions, earning top scores and awards. One of her proudest moments came during the annual Malat Bowling Association (MBA) Bronze Cup, where she secured first place with her highest-ever score. Her biggest milestone to date was at Special Olympics World Games 2023 in Berlin, where she won two silver medals in bowling doubles and singles competitions.

Rachel’s leadership extends beyond the lanes. She is the secretary of Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leadership Committee and a Health Messenger serving as a Healthy Habits Leader. She previously represented athletes as a Special Olympics Malta Ambassador during the #BeActive European Week of Sport. She also participated in the Young People’s Disability Rights Forum, working to amplify the voices of young people with disabilities.

Driven by her belief in inclusion, Rachel is committed to supporting Special Olympics' mission by promoting dignity, ability, and equal opportunities for all. She aspires to continue inspiring others—both through her sporting success and by advocating for greater respect and understanding of people with intellectual disabilities. Athlete Leadership and Health Messenger training helped to build her confidence to self-advocate. Through Special Olympics, she learned how to speak up for herself, share her ideas, and advocate for what she believes in. The training encouraged her to learn more about health, well-being, and her rights, which made her more aware of the importance of having a voice and being involved in discussions that affect people with disabilities.

When not involved in Special Olympics work, Rachel enjoys painting and creating artwork. She also works in an office, which she enjoys because it helps her stay busy and organized. In her free time, she likes playing the piano. She says music helps her relax and express herself. She boosts her imagination by going out and reading books.