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The Olympic dream which sparked an entire debate about gender

The Olympic dream which sparked an entire debate about gender
Jul 4 2021 Share

New Zealand announced last month that their weightlifting team would be taking Laurel Hubbard, a transgender weightlifter, to be the first ever openly transgender athlete at the Olympics. The inclusion of Hubbard garnered much social media attention – with many praising, but others equally criticising. The 43-year-old’s selection was a massive stepping stone in the right direction for her supporters. They saw the Olympics exemplifying inclusion and giving courage to other transgender athletes. 

Those against the idea however, had equally hot opinions about the matter. Many argued that being a transgender woman, or a woman who was assigned male at birth, gives Hubbard an unfair physical advantage. Some called her inclusion a bad joke and stated that cisgender athletes competing and dreaming of winning the Olympics have all their hard work outshined by Hubbard’s ‘advantages.’ 

Hubbard has not yet engaged with the whole debate herself, only briefly stating that the kindness and support she received was humbling. Many advocates for diversity stated that Hubbard’s selection shows that transgender women do not pose a threat to women’s sports. Moreover, they emphasised how the fight for inclusion is not over. 

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Photo Source: BBC

112-year-old Puerto Rican breaks Guiness World Record as oldest living man

112-year-old Puerto Rican breaks Guiness World Record as oldest living man
Jul 4 2021 Share

Emilio Flores Marquez, a former sugar cane farmer, was born on August 8th 1908 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. He has been confirmed as the world’s oldest man by the Guiness World Records just a few weeks away from his 113th birthday. Emilio was the second oldest son of 11 children and helped to take care of most of his siblings. The first-born son, he helped his father on the sugar cane farm as a young boy. 

Emilio married Andrea Perez and enjoyed a loving marriage for 75 years until her death in 2010. Emilio is also the father of four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Despite losing most of his hearing and getting a surgery to implant a pacemaker at the age of 101, he is still going strong. His secret to a happy life is to have an abundance of love and to live without anger. 

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Photo Source: NBC News

More than 42,000 passengers used Gozo Fast Ferry in first month

More than 42,000 passengers used Gozo Fast Ferry in first month
Jul 4 2021 Share

Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg revealed that in the first month of its operation, the Fast Ferry between Malta and Gozo received around 42,000 passengers. The Minister also revealed that there have been 1,086 voyages, remarking how these figures showcase the success that the connection between Malta and Gozo brings as well as the benefits to the maritime infrastructure. 

The 45-minute voyages started back in June of 2021 following its inauguration by Prime Minister Robert Abela. Borg stated that the service is helping Malta’s economy and that it introduced two new bus routes. These include the 300 route which voyages between the fast ferry terminal and Mater Dei Hospital, and the X133 which carries out voyages between the fast ferry and the Valletta terminals. 

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Photo Source: Gozo Fast Ferry FB, Ian Borg FB

Hamrun Spartans celebrate their victory in heartwarming video

Hamrun Spartans celebrate their victory in heartwarming video
Jul 4 2021 Share

Following their Premier League victory, Hamrun Spartans released a video celebrating their massive win and unveiling all that goes on to manage the club. Joseph Portelli, President of the football club, reveals how his amazing time with the team makes him want to cherish every little moment. For Hamrun, football was described as being just as important as the local village feast which brings together all of the residents together. 

Given the COVID-19 pandemic making the feast impossible, football was on everyone’s minds in Hamrun. Joseph Portelli stated that, despite the victory, he and the club still have massive goals planned out for Hamrun Spartans. Whilst welcoming the win with open arms, the team is striving to bring more trophies and achievements for Hamrun and its football history. 

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Photo Source: Hamrun Spartans Football Club FB