Malta With Record of Gold Medals In Special Olympics 2023

Jun 27 2023

Malta has once again continued to make sport history after having achieved a record number of gold medals in the history of its participation in the Special olympics.

Malta achieved a total of 16 gold medals, along with 11 silver medals and 4 bronze, racking up the grand total to 32.

The Maltese athletes competed in 45 different sport events, with the contingent of 22 athletes taking up disciplines such as athletics, golf, table tennis, swimming, cycling, bowling and bocce.

Dr Lydia Abela, the President of Special Olympics Malta, congratulated the local stars for their determination and achievements, saying that ‘society wins when it values every single person.’

‘The Special Olympics are a living celebration and evidence of inclusivity, where varying abilities unite through sport for a common goal: that everyone is a protagonist.’

The athletes, along with Dr Abela, had the opportunity to participate in the Global Youth leadership Summit and the Global Athletes Congress. The athletes shared their experiences with other athletes from around the world and discussed the challenges being faced and how they are overcome.

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Europe Super Volcano Sparking Fears Of Eruption

Jun 27 2023

Having last erupted in 1538, a large super-volcano in Italy is showing some signs which raise concerns of an impending eruption.

The Campi Flegrei volcano is not your typical volcano, and is much less remembered than the typical cone-shaped neighbour Vesuvius (Pompeii, anyone?).

Instead, it is a vast underground complex of magma and around half a million people have their homes in the 11 kilometre caldera in Naples.

If the previous eruption were to happen again, we would see gases and molten rock blow up into the stratosphere, causing tsunamis and toxic ash which could potentially trigger a global winter.

The researchers published the findings on June 9th in the journal ‘Communications Earth & Environment.’

Speaking to EurekAlert!, lead author Christopher Kilburn said that despite confirming the volcano’s movement towards rupture, this might lead to a crack through the crust and the ‘magma still needs to be pushing up at the right location for an eruption to occur.’

The ongoings beneath the crust doesn’t give scientists a clear answer as to whether it will blow or have a period of earthly unrest. It also, however, does not give enough time for preparation.

But before you start panicking… According to an article by Wired, the eruption caused might be similar to the 1538 eruption which, despite causing local havoc, were not world altering in scope.

The study merely proposes a model that suggests that the ‘signs of a new eruption might be more subtle than we think.’ The same unrest about this very same volcano occurred in 2017 after another study by the same researchers.

If anything, it could simply encourage authorities and the local communities to be more sensitised to natural disasters and have workable evacuation plans instead of instilling apocalyptic terror.

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Neil Agius Forced to Abandon 100-Mile Swim Challenge Due to Jellyfish Stings

Jun 27 2023

At 03:56 am on Tuesday, a much-anticipated swimming challenge came to an unexpected halt as Neil Agius, was forced to abandon his 100-mile swim attempt due to multiple jellyfish stings.

The incident occurred around 46 kilometres into the swim in the Mallorca – Ibiza channel at approximately 01:00 am.

Despite nearly four hours of battling through the treacherous waters, enduring numerous stings, and making several valiant efforts to continue, Agius found himself overwhelmed by the swelling and pain caused by the jellyfish stings.

Ultimately, he made the difficult decision to prioritise his safety and voluntarily abandon the swim plan.

Expressing his disappointment, Agius stated, “It is so sad to see all that hard work we put into this challenge come to such a premature conclusion. I was feeling strong and ready to go the distance, but fate had other plans.”

Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the sport he has chosen, Agius emphasised the multitude of variables that can impact such endeavours, some of which are within our control while others are not. He extended his gratitude to all the supporters who had been rooting for him and had provided unwavering support over the past 10 months.

Despite the setback, Agius remains resolute in his commitment to ocean conservation, which he believes is the true challenge that lies ahead. He assured his followers that he would return to face this challenge once again.

As the fleet now makes its way back to Mallorca for safe harbour, plans are underway to hold a press conference where further details about the incident and Agius’s future endeavours will be announced.

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Christina Aguilera, Netta, and Conchita are all part of the star-studded lineup for Euro Pride

Jun 26 2023

During tonight’s much-anticipated schedule reveal for EuroPride Valletta 2023, presenter Ron jokingly suggested that Euro Pride would be so good that people should consider taking their shutdown during September for Euro Pride instead of the usual St Marija shutdown.

This event will feature big events on a daily basis, reflecting and championing the reforms that have been implemented in Malta. The massive event will kick off on September 7th in Piazza Tritoni and spread throughout Valletta, showcasing some of the best local artists and featuring Israeli Eurovision Song winner in 2018, Netta, who is a renowned figure in pride celebrations worldwide.

One of the highlight nights will include a Eurovision-themed event, with Conchita being one of the notable guests, joined by other Eurovision legends and Maltese icons such as Chiara and Fabrizio Faniello.

Tribute performances honouring Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Cher will also take place, paying homage to some of the most iconic figures in the pride community. Local artists Aidan, Glenn, and Amber will hold special concerts on September 13th and 14th.

On September 9th, the Gozitan community will mark a memorable day with Euro Pride Gozo, followed by a concert featuring some of the best local artists.

The Pride March in Malta is scheduled for September 16th, considered one of the biggest events during this celebration. Christina Aguilera will conclude this memorable event with a grand concert, joined by local artists and other international groups.

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