Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1532146
8 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 5 FEBRUARY 2025 NEWS Paralympian empowers visually impaired athletes with expert tips during swimming camp Malta Paralympic Committee invests in future generation of Para swimmers MALTESE visually impaired swimmers got the unique chance to get first-hand tips from a blind Italian champion during a Para Swimming De- velopment Camp organised for the next generation of young Para swimmers and coaches. Italian Paralympian Marti- na Rabbolini, a blind swim- mer who represented Italy at multiple European and World Championships and three edi- tions of the Paralympic Games — Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 — was in Malta re- cently to share her experience and technique. In total, 14 coaches and 10 Para swimmers, aged 8 to 17, took part in the camp recently at the new indoor pool com- plex at The Mediterranean College of Sport, organised by the Malta Paralympic Com- mittee (MPC), in collaboration with The Malta Trust Founda- tion (TMTF) and the Federazi- one Italiana Nuoto Paralimpi- co (FINP). Split over three days, partic- ipants benefitted from the ex- pert guidance of FINP coaches Federica Fornasiero and Enrico Testa, who have over 20 years' experience in Paralympic swimming. The two form part of Italy's multi-award-winning and record-breaking national team for Paralympic swim- ming and oversee the official training and accreditation of Paralympic swimming coaches in Italy. Dedicated educational ses- sions for coaches focused on methodologies and swimming techniques for blind and vis- ually impaired swimmers, combined with practical pool sessions for athletes with visual or physical impairments. Coaches also used adapted equipment, such as tappers and waterproof audio devices designed for these swimmers, and each athlete received in- dividualised evaluations and personalised tips to improve their swimming technique and performance. The development camp also served to strengthen relation- ships with FINP and explore future international collabo- rations, including specialised training for Para swimming coaches and potential training camp exchanges or competi- tions in Malta and Italy. MPC said this camp was an investment in the future gen- eration of Para swimmers and coaches. "We recognised the impor- tance of providing the nec- essary support and expertise to help athletes and coaches achieve their goals, while set- ting even more ambitious tar- gets for Para swimming. "We also observed a strong sense of community during the camp, with a positive at- mosphere and bond created between these young athletes, their families and coaches. This is encouraging and posi- tions swimming to inclusively welcome athletes of all abili- ties." Commenting on the camp's success, The Malta Trust Foundation remarked on the synergy between children, par- ents, and coaches during this camp. "It was truly inspiring to see everyone working together and benefiting from such a mean- ingful event that breaks down barriers, ensuring individuals of all abilities can access and enjoy the sport of swimming. "This initiative reflects our commitment to inclusivity and fosters a strong sense of com- munity, which is contralto our mission. We are also proud to highlight the essential role of collaborations with organisa- tions like the Malta Paralympic Committee and FINP in mak- ing these transformative events possible. By joining forces, we can create opportunities that empower and include every- one," the Foundation said. MPC thanked all participants and its partners who made this camp possible, including The Malta Trust Foundation, FINP, The Mediterranean College of Sport, Exiles SC, and The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA). Learn more about how to get involved in Para Sport on https://www.paralympic.mt/ findaparasport or follows us on Facebook on https://www. facebook.com/MaltaParalym- picCommittee.