Special Olympics Malta Officially Launches Inclusive Program in Gozo

Jan 16 2025 Share

The President of Special Olympics Malta, Dr. Lydia Abela, together with the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, officially launched the Special Olympics Malta program in Gozo. This initiative aims to provide inclusive sports opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Gozo, fostering both community participation and personal development. 

Dr. Lydia Abela highlighted that this milestone coincides with the 25th anniversary of Special Olympics Malta, marking a significant achievement for the organization. “The expansion of our programs and services to Gozo has been a long-standing dream and goal,” she stated. “This is a step driven by the passion of a community that believes everyone has something valuable to contribute to society.” Dr. Abela emphasized the association’s commitment to empowering individuals and promoting inclusion through structured opportunities. 

Minister Clint Camilleri also spoke about the government’s vision for Gozo as a hub of diversity and inclusion. He remarked, “Sports are about much more than physical activity—they create opportunities, build confidence, and encourage real societal inclusion. Our commitment remains focused on improving the quality of life for everyone, including those with disabilities.” 

The program’s launch represents a collective effort to create an environment where every individual feels appreciated and supported. Dr. Sean Zammit, Head of Gozo College Network, and Christabel D’Amato, Sports Director at Special Olympics Malta, detailed the program’s goals and the positive impact it will have on participants. 

The event brought together teachers, coaches, learning support educators (LSEs), and parents, reflecting a shared commitment to making Gozo a more inclusive community. 

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23 Under 17 Year Olds Caught With Drugs Between 2022 & 2024

23 Under 17 Year Olds Caught With Drugs Between 2022 & 2024
Jan 16 2025 Share

According to information tabled in parliament by Minister Byron Camilleri, there were 23 youths under the age of 17 caught in possession of drugs.

The individuals were caught with drugs that included cannabis, MDMA, synthetic cannabis and cocaine.

The locations these cases unfolded were Valletta, Santa Venera, Fgura, Pembroke, Marsa, Paola, Marsaskala, Ħal Ghaxaq, iż-Żebbuġ, Gozo, Victoria, Gozo, Ħamrun and Bormla.

The question was posed by PN MP Graziella Attard Previ.

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Sarah Bajada Pitches In On ‘Having More Kids’ Debate

Sarah Bajada Pitches In On 'Having More Kids' Debate
Jan 16 2025 Share

After a debate sparked online about ‘forgetting cats and dogs’ and ‘having three kids instead’, influencer Sarah Bajada took to social media to share her experience raising her son as a single mother – how hard, despite gratifying, it was for her.

‘As someone who practically raised my son alone for the first few years I know how hard it is. While I’m proud of the strength I found during those years, it also opened my eyes to how tough it is to navigate motherhood when life is this demanding.’

 

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A post shared by Sarah Bajada (@s.bajada020)

‘It breaks my heart that so many of us are missing out on the little moments: being there when our kids get home from school, hearing about their day, watching them grow.’

This also comes as a study found that Malta’s school opening hours are the lowest in the EU, urging PL MP Edward Zammit Lewis to urge for longer school hours.

‘And while I don’t want to sound negative, I genuinely ask: “how can we have more kids if life itself is already quite crazy as it is’, concluded Sarah.

What do you make of this?

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Over 44,000 Trees, 49,000 Shrubs Planted Up Until 2024

Over 44,000 Trees, 49,000 Shrubs Planted Up Until 2023
Jan 16 2025 Share

A recent parliamentary question has revealed that 44,363 trees and 49,147 shrubs were planted by entities under the Ministry for the Environment and Energy during the current legislature, up to the end of 2024.

Minister Miriam Dalli disclosed with MP Bernice Bonello that these initiatives involved a total investment of €713,834, excluding contributions from entities under other Ministries.

The Ministry has completed 35 projects so far, covering approximately 150,000 square meters, focusing on afforestation, urban greening, and open space development.

These projects were executed by Project Green, Ambjent Malta, GreenServ, GHRC, and ERA.

Key highlights include afforestation efforts at Wied Inċita (Ħ’Attard), urban greening projects like Spencer Garden (Marsa) and San Klement Garden (Ħaż-Żabbar), and specialty spaces such as the Pollinator Garden (San Ġwann) and the Ħal Safi Dog Park.

Additional completed projects include Milbrae Grove (Mosta), Wied Għajn Riħana (Burmarrad), and Ġnien il-Glażiż (Birgu).

Future initiatives are in various planning or execution stages, with an ongoing commitment to improve Malta’s green infrastructure and enhance public spaces.

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