The Malta Paralympic Committee (MPC) placed education at the heart of its vision for expanding opportunities in disability sport during its Annual General Meeting, outlining the progress made in fostering a more inclusive sporting landscape across Malta.
Addressing representatives from national sports associations and federations, clubs, athletes and members of the Paralympic community, the MPC showcased how its “education-first” strategy is helping transform attitudes towards disability and encouraging greater participation in sport.
Among the initiatives highlighted were the I’mPOSSIBLE Education Programme, joint Olympic and Paralympic educational workshops organised in collaboration with the Maltese Olympic Committee, and partnerships with organisations operating in the fields of sport, education, healthcare and disability.
During 2025, the committee reached 15 schools, engaging more than 5,000 students, educators and parents while also encouraging many individuals with disabilities to experience sport for the first time.
The MPC also revealed that around 90 per cent of its resources are invested directly in the development of Para athletes and coaches, with particular emphasis placed on Para swimming, Para rowing and Para powerlifting through collaborations with mainstream sports clubs.
MPC Secretary General Dr Julian Bajada stressed that lasting change is built on persistence, resilience and a commitment to inclusion alongside sporting excellence.
He noted that interest in Para sport has reached unprecedented levels and highlighted a workshop held with paediatricians at Mater Dei Hospital as one of the defining moments of 2025. The initiative promoted sport and physical activity as important tools in supporting the wellbeing, mobility and independence of children and young people with disabilities.
Dr Bajada also reflected on the launch of the committee’s first children’s colouring book, Unstoppable Me, which celebrates the stories of 30 Para athletes from Malta and Gozo. The publication aims to inspire young readers by showcasing athletes who have overcome personal challenges through determination and a positive outlook.
Closing the meeting, MPC President Prof. Joseph N. Grima reflected on the significant progress made since he assumed office in 2018.
He recalled that many people with disabilities and their families were initially reluctant to participate in organised sport, whereas today demand for Para sport is steadily increasing. According to Prof. Grima, it is now uncommon for a week or month to pass without new individuals expressing an interest in trying a Paralympic discipline, demonstrating that disability sport is becoming an established part of Malta’s sporting community.
The Malta Paralympic Committee also thanked its athletes, volunteers, partners and sponsors for their continued support. Among those acknowledged were the Ministry for Education and Sport, the Ministry for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations, SportMalta, the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, the Malta Trust Foundation, the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport, the Maltese Olympic Committee and APS Bank.
The committee’s full 2025 Annual Report has also been published and is available on the Malta Paralympic Committee’s official website.
