As reported by the Times of Malta, the parents of a 16-year-old boy with spina bifida have initiated legal action against the Malta Handball Association (MHA), alleging discrimination after their son was barred from registering as a reserve player for a local handball team due to his use of a wheelchair.
Thomas Mifsud, an enthusiastic athlete and wheelchair user, began training with the Kavallieri Handball Club alongside his friends. His dedication to the sport earned him a place as a substitute goalkeeper for an under-19 league match scheduled for 20 October. However, according to the Times of Malta, after his registration form was submitted, the MHA informed the club that Thomas could not be registered because he uses a wheelchair.
In a judicial protest filed in court, Nicolette and Samuel Mifsud, Thomas’s parents, argued that his active participation in training sessions proved that his wheelchair posed no health or safety risks and was fully accepted by his teammates. They accused the MHA of breaching the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the association’s safeguarding policy, which promotes inclusion and equal opportunities.
The Times of Malta further reported that the MHA justified its decision by citing international handball regulations that prohibit hard objects on the court due to safety concerns. While wheelchairs are not explicitly mentioned in these rules, the association stated that the hard materials used in wheelchair frames fall under the prohibited equipment category.
The Mifsud family had previously attempted to resolve the issue through legal correspondence with the MHA, but after failing to reach an agreement, they proceeded to court to challenge what they see as discriminatory practices.
This case, as highlighted by the Times of Malta, raises questions about how sporting organisations can strike a balance between ensuring safety and fostering inclusivity for athletes with disabilities. The outcome of the proceedings could have significant implications for accessibility in Maltese sports and beyond.
