MALTA TO HOST THE FIRST-EVER SPECIAL OLYMPICS EUROPEAN SWIMMING OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2026

30/06/2026

Special Olympics Malta has officially launched the Special Olympics European Swimming Open Malta 2026, the first Special Olympics swimming event to be organised at an international level. The games will take place between 10 and 14 September 2026 at the National Pool Complex in Tal-Qroqq, with the participation of more than 400 athletes from 40 countries.

During the launch, a programme of parallel initiatives was also announced, including a sports village featuring a Bocce competition for more than 200 athletes, a Healthy Athletes screening programme spanning six disciplines, and a Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) festival, held in collaboration with Aġenzija Sapport, for around 500 athletes.

Dr Lydia Abela, President of Special Olympics Malta, explained the vision behind the games, reaffirming that, through the "Beyond the Wave" message, they want to convey a positive and hopeful message to the athletes: that, despite the challenges they face every day, there is a future full of opportunity. Dr Abela stressed that they also want to show that, when society comes together as one, we can achieve more, we can bring about change, and we can build an inclusive society that offers equal opportunities for all.

The Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, Julia Farrugia, stated that Special Olympics Malta is clear proof of how inclusion is built through concrete action and not merely through words. She remarked that the Government has continued to invest in opportunities that empower persons with disability to participate fully in sporting and social life, while emphasising that Malta continues to strengthen its position as a model of inclusion at a European and international level. The Minister thanked Special Olympics Malta, the athletes, their families and all the volunteers for their dedication, while wishing every success to Maltese and Gozitan athletes in the competitions ahead.

Minister Byron Camilleri said, "While we enjoy the medals, I regard this movement of yours as one that changes lives for the better. Sport has a unique power to build confidence in the individual and to help people become resilient. That is why I firmly believe in the value of the work you are doing, and in the support we must continue to give to Special Olympics Malta."

Mr David Evangelista, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics, showed the movement's gratitude to the Maltese Government not only for Malta hosting the first event of its kind at an international level, but also for the continued support that Malta provides as part of the international coalition in favour of inclusion in our societies.

The public is invited to visit www.specialolympicsmalta.org for more information, as well as to join as part of the team of volunteers during the games.