Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1468438
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 MAY 2022 12 COMMUNITY Esplora launches new multi-sensory room with BOV's support A new multi-sensory room was inaugurated at the Esplo- ra Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara. The project, fully sup- ported by Bank of Valletta will provide visitors with an immer- sive experience, using specialised equipment to provide a calming environment which stimulates mental activity and promotes in- teraction. The Multi-sensory room was officially inaugurated by the Hon. Clifton Grima is the Min- ister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation in the presence of Dr Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, Executive Chairman, Malta Council for Science and Technology, Charles Azzopar- di, Head CSR at Bank of Valletta and Keith Tant Azzoparrdi, Par- liamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation. This highly beneficial room features a comfortable waterbed which offers warmth and relax- ing, gentle movements, pressure seating which provides comfort and a podium around beautiful bubble columns. It has a state- of-the-art interactive floor pro- jector with multiple scenes and games to encourage movements together with a sound-sensitive ladder lights activity to promote vocal communication and sound creation. The room also comes equipped with hand-held fibre optic lighting, cozy bean bags, ceiling projections, a mirror ball lights display plus calming sounds and gentle scents which creates a beautiful and multi-purpose en- vironment. Visitors can experi- ence the room and learn about it's uses and benefits from Esplo- ra team members fully trained by Aġenzija Sapport, or organise for their own occupational therapist to join them for sessions. In addition, the multisensory room is made accessible through hoists and includes specialist sen- sory equipment which provide optical, acoustic and tactile stim- ulation. The lights, sounds, smells and projections available in the room, are all interchangeable. This al- lows visitors to create their own perfect environment each time they visit, such as hearing calm- ing ocean waves and smell fresh scent or soothing their senses with sounds of spring together with the smell of fresh cut grass and a beautiful fishpond beneath their feet. Multi-sensory therapy offers children with cognitive and sen- sory impairments the opportu- nity to learn, socialise and enjoy a variety of sensory experiences. Everyone can experience the room and learn about its uses and benefits from our trained team members, or visitors can opt for their own occupational therapist to join them during the sessions. Visitors can book a 25 minute session by email on info@esplora. org.mt, by calling +356 2360 2300 or by visiting the Esplora recep- tion desk. Esplora also offers Sensory Friendly Hours once every two months on a Sunday morning between 9.00 am and 11.00 am, where the room will be available for use throughout. During these sessions the ambience inside Es- plora is modified to allow for neurodiverse children and adults to explore Esplora and fully enjoy what's on offer in a peaceful at- mosphere. A legacy of inclusion: Malta Special Olympics Invitational Games Why were the Malta Special Olympics Invitational Games such an important event for Malta? This was the very first time that Malta hosted the inter- national Special Olympics movement and the games were the first international Special Olympics event in Europe since the pandemic. We were excit- ed to celebrate the victories of around 1,000 athletes from 23 countries. Malta managed to unite part of the world like no other event can in 2022. Who were the key team members and the commu- nity behind the event – and what would you like to say to them? The community behind this event was ALL of us. All of us have a responsibility to end dis- crimination and ensure equal opportunities. We are striv- ing to create an environment where all our children reach their full potential irrespective of their age, race, culture, reli- gion, or abilities. Our objective is to give the same opportuni- ties to everyone in a truly in- clusive manner. While Malta has come a long way in creat- ing a more inclusive society, we aim to strengthen it through quality sporting opportunities for all. Sport does not only help us remain physically active but teaches us important life values such as fairness, respect, team- work, discipline, perseverance and inclusion. What was the process of turn- ing the Special Olympics in Malta into a reality, from idea to fruition? The process started around a year ago when we formed an organising committee made up of various professional, talent- ed, and committed individuals from all walks of life. The were asked to voluntarily assist the small non-governmental or- ganisation, Special Olympics Malta, to organise the largest multi-sport event of the year for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Europe. Initially, we had around 12 countries in- terested in participating, with a total of around 450 athletes. In no time, the interest increased exponentially, and we ended up having 23 countries and almost 1,000 athletes participate – not far off from the number of ath- letes participating in the Euro- pean Games every four years. Besides the dynamic organising committee and the hardwork- ing people at Special Olympics Malta led by Anna Calleja, var- ious public and private enti- ties supported us immensely. SportMalta has been a critical partner throughout this jour- ney and all athletes witnessed this special partnership first- hand when they competed in safe and upgraded sporting facilities. Educators, coaches, sports organisations, parents of children with disabilities, and many selfless volunteers contributed hugely to the or- ganisation of these games. How has the contribution of sponsors such as GSD Mar- keting Ltd helped support the event? GSD Marketing Ltd repre- sentatives of The Coca-Cola Company in Malta was the first private company that ap- proached Special Olympics Malta to offer its support and to ensure all the athletes had a memorable and remarka- ble experience in Malta. They shared the the same goal of Special Olympics Malta; that the games should be an oppor- tunity to celebrate the limit- less potential of all competing athletes and the power of sport to bring people together. The financial and logistical contri- bution of The Coca-Cola Com- pany and GSD Marketing Ltd during these games builds on the longstanding partnership between Coca-Cola and Spe- cial Olympics. Why should the public sup- port the Special Olympics? The games were a unique oc- casion for Malta to convey a clear message of inclusion to the world about how much we value unity and equal opportu- nities. All athletes were proud to be representing their coun- try in six Olympic-type sports – athletics, football, swimming, table tennis, bocce, and tenpin bowling. If we truly believe in inclusivity and equality, this was our almost once in a life- time opportunity to support them in reaching their full po- tential, and it was fantastic to see so many people come out to support them. Do you hope or plan for other similar events in Malta in the future? The Special Olympics Mal- ta Invitational Games 2022 marked the start of a more inclusive Malta. We're deter- mined to offer more opportu- nities that provide a just and fair society for all. We're ready to consider all opportunities as long as they align with our overarching goal of a more al- truistic, caring, and inclusive society.