Duke of Edinburgh visits Dar tal-Providenza and meets with Malta Paralympic Committee

During a visit to Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi, the Duke of Edinburgh met with members of the Malta Paralympic Committee to discuss the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and inclusion in sports, the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary

By: independent.com.mt

Oct 10 2024
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Duke of Edinburgh visits Dar t

The Ministry said that the Duke of Edinburgh, alongside Minister Julia Farrugia and Dar tal-Providenza Director Fr Martin Micallef, had the opportunity to meet many residents, volunteers, and members of the paralympic committee during his visit, including visiting several stands of voluntary organisations.

President of the Malta Paralympic Committee, Joseph Grima, presented the Duke with the PROJECT MOVE initiative, which the Ministry described as an ambitious project aimed at inspiring more people, including individuals with physical or visual disabilities, to start participating in sporting activities.

It continued that PROJECT MOVE aims to encourage those who usually find it difficult to get involved in sport, and offers support for those who may be looking for a way to start a more active lifestyle. It said that sport and parasports can be a challenge for many because of the unique obstacles that disabled people face, but that through this initiative, a series of activities and events are being organised with the intention of promoting movement, inclusion, and independence.

This initiative and the paralympic committee's as well as Dar tal-Providenza's efforts were praised by the Duke, the Ministry said, noting that such work improves the quality of life of people with disabilities through sport. The Duke also spoke of the importance of inclusion and creating opportunities for everyone to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.

During the visit, they also visited a rowing gym which was financed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector. The Ministry said that this facility is open to the general public, including individuals with disabilities, and aims to promote inclusion through sport and physical activity. It continued that there was also a presentation of certificates and trophies to students and schools that participated in a national competition promoting inclusion. It added that the project was carried out with funding by the Small Initiatives Scheme.

Minister Farrugia spoke of the importance of sport so that more people with disabilities follow a healthy and independent lifestyle. She said that projects such as PROJECT MOVE are a clear example of the Ministry's commitment to a more inclusive and equitable society. "By promoting sport among individuals of all abilities, we are continuing to invest in a Malta where everyone can live an active, healthy, and dignified life. The government will continue to work closely with organisations such as the Malta Paralympic Committee to create more opportunities where people with disabilities have the support and resources needed to be an integral part of the sports community," she said. Farrugia remarked that for the government, participation and inclusion in society is a fundamental right.

Fr Martin Micallef said that Dar tal-Providenza firmly believes that every person has unique value and great capabilities. He continued that such projects show how individuals with disabilities can not just participate, but also succeed in the sporting field and in everyday life. "Sport is a powerful tool to change perceptions, foster inclusion, and help each person live more independently. We are proud to be supporting this project, which is strengthening the active role of people with disabilities within our society," he concluded.