Malta has taken an important step towards promoting social inclusion by officially joining the Special Olympics Global Coalition for Inclusion. In a ceremony held in Valletta, the country ratified its commitment to advancing inclusive sports, a move that signals the nation’s leadership in this vital area. The event saw the attendance of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President David Evangelista.

The government has pledged approximately €600,000 to support the expansion of Special Olympics programmes nationwide. This significant investment will enhance the reach of Unified Sports, the Motor Activity Training Programme (MATP), and other initiatives led by Special Olympics Malta.

A key part of Malta’s ongoing commitment to Special Olympics programming is the upcoming National Games, which kicked off Thursday evening and will feature over 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities from Malta, North Macedonia, the United Arab Emirates, and Cyprus competing in five sporting disciplines. The theme of the Games, ‘The Champion Within Us’, reflects the ethos of inclusion and personal achievement that Malta is championing through its partnership with the Special Olympics.

“Malta’s dedication to inclusion underlines a deep understanding of the transformative power of sport,” said Evangelista. “By investing in Unified Sports and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, Malta is creating a more inclusive society, not only within its own borders but also as a key EU member and global leader in this movement.”

Unified Sports, one of the flagship programmes of Special Olympics, unites athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same teams, helping to break down barriers and promote understanding through shared experiences. With Malta’s funding, Unified Sports will now be accessible in more sports clubs and community centres across the country, providing individuals with intellectual disabilities greater opportunities to participate in local sports.

The extension of the MATP will also offer those with severe intellectual disabilities specially designed physical activities tailored to their abilities, encouraging more participation in sport and improving the quality of life for those with the most complex needs.

Malta’s engagement in the Coalition sets an example for other EU Member States and countries worldwide, showing that meaningful inclusion requires cross-sector collaboration and sustained investment. The Global Coalition for Inclusion, launched during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in June 2023, aims to encourage governments to fund inclusive development programmes. The Coalition unites governments, industry leaders, philanthropists, and development organisations to create more inclusive opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

To date, Coalition members have committed to providing inclusive sports and education opportunities to over two million young people across more than 150,000 schools, with Special Olympics programmes expanding to 180 nations. The Government Coalition includes countries such as Angola, China, Egypt, Ghana, Gibraltar, Iceland, Jamaica, Kenya, Kosovo, Malta, Mongolia, Montenegro, Panama, Paraguay, Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. These nations are actively working together to drive inclusive development within their borders and beyond.

The Global Coalition for Inclusion operates on a public-private partnership model, which has been made possible by a generous grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). This model also brings together a range of influential partners, including United Nations agencies, development aid organisations, global philanthropic leaders, and corporate entities, to create a powerful network for advancing inclusion.