Italian Paralympic Sprinter Proposes to Girlfriend After Loss

Italian Paralympic Sprinter Proposes to Wife After Loss

Sep 4 2024

Italian Paralympic sprinter Alessandro Ossola turned a tough day into a memorable one at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. After placing 5th inth men’s 100-meter T63 Race, Ossola made his way to the stands, dropped to one knee, and proposed to his girlfriend, Arianna Mandaradoni, in front of thousands of fans at the Stade de France.

The heartfelt moment quickly went viral, with Ossola sharing the proposal on his Instagram and World Para Athletics posting a photo of the big moment. In an interview, Ossola spoke about the support Mandaradoni has given him throughout his journey. “Sometimes she believed in me more than I believed in myself,” he said. “She’s my partner for life.”

Ossola’s story is one of resilience. In 2015, he lost his first wife and had most of his left leg amputated after a motorcycle accident. He credited para sports with helping him find a way forward, making his Paralympic debut in Tokyo 2021.

Reflecting on his journey, Ossola said, “People think you go to the Paralympics because you’re disabled, but it’s because you’re one of the best athletes in the world. That’s why I’m proud to be here.”

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Malta With 3rd Lowest Unemployment Rate In EU In July

Sep 4 2024

According to new data released by Eurostat, Malta has the third lowest rate of unemployment in the euro area at 3.0% in July 2024.

The Mediterranean island follows Czechia and Poland, each registering 2.7% and 2.9% respectively.

Meanwhile, the highest rates were registered in Spain (11.5%), followed by Greece and Finland at 9.9% and 8.4% respectively.

In the same month, the euro area unemployment rate was 6.4%, down from 6.5% in June of the same year.

The EU unemployment rate was 6.0% in the same month, which is stable compared to previous month.

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Dogs Get Teary Eyed When Reuniting With Owners, Says Study

Sep 4 2024

A 2022 study by Japanese researchers found that dogs produce tears when reuniting with their owners, which may be linked to the “bonding hormone” oxytocin.

This discovery is significant, as it is the first to show that positive emotions can stimulate tear production in non-human animals. Previous research had established that eye contact between dogs and humans releases oxytocin in both, strengthening their bond.

Inspired by this, the team, led by Professor Takefumi Kikusui of Azabu University, conducted a reunion experiment.

They measured the tear volume of 18 dogs at home and after being separated from their owners for over five hours.

The results showed a significant increase in tears when the dogs were reunited with their owners, but not with familiar non-owners. Additional tests revealed that applying oxytocin to dogs’ eyes also increased tear production, confirming the hormone’s role.

The researchers also found that humans are more inclined to care for dogs with teary eyes. In a study involving 74 participants, teary-eyed dogs triggered a 10-15% increase in nurturing responses.

The team suggests that dogs may use tears to elicit protective behaviour from their owners, although further research is needed to explore how dogs communicate with each other through tears.

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Nathaniel Attard Appointed PN’s New Communications Director

Sep 4 2024

The Nationalist Party announced on Tuesday that broadcaster Nathaniel Attard has been appointed as the new director of communications and spokesperson for the Opposition Leader.

He takes over from James Aaron Ellul, who is transitioning to a new position as director of the party’s Library. Ellul also shared his intention to run as a candidate in the next general election.

Attard, who has been BirdLife Malta’s communications manager since 2016, brings a strong background in journalism and media.

Prior to his environmental work, he worked as a journalist and news anchor for the Nationalist Party’s media channels, including NET Television, where he produced and presented news and current affairs programs.

He also held leadership roles, serving as head of news for Media Link Communications and editor of the PN’s daily newspaper, in-Nazzjon.

A native of Gozo, Attard once served as a councillor for the PN in Rabat, Gozo.

Meanwhile, Ellul will now lead the PN’s Librarija Informa, a resource center at the party’s headquarters, while continuing his role as the deputy mayor of Floriana. Both appointments will take effect on Monday, September 9.

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