Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542941
11 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 30 JANUARY 2026 SPORTS CHILDREN with diverse abili- ties took part in a sports camp that provided training as well as a setting focused on inclu- sion and support. The camp, held at the Sports and Aquat- ic Pavilion in Rabat, Gozo, brought together children, parents and coaches, showing how sport can create opportu- nities beyond physical training. Children aged 8 to 16 with diverse abilities participated in the ISPORT Training Camp in Gozo, an experience that ex- tended beyond conventional sports preparation. Hosted at the Sports and Aquatic Pavilion, the camp offered structured swimming sessions alongside a supportive environment for families, un- derlining the important role of parents in young athletes' de- velopment. The camp was held between 23 and 25 January and brought together 16 families. It was organised by the Malta Trust Foundation with the support of the UEFA Foundation, in collaboration with the Malta Paralympic Committee and the Ministry for Gozo. Malta Trust Foundation chairperson Marie Louise Coleiro Preca said profession- al training sessions were a key part of the programme. "This was the third training camp supported by coach- es from the Italian National Paralympic Federation, who provided training to both the young athletes and the local coaching team. The camp was held in Gozo to allow partici- pants to use this pool and fa- cility, which offers a high-qual- ity training environment. The camp also strengthened the relationship between parents and their children," Coleiro Preca said. Malta Paralympic Committee secretary general Julian Baja- da said the camp gave parents the opportunity to meet other families with similar experi- ences and challenges. "The children have different disabilities, including visual impairments, physical disabil- ities and more complex con- ditions involving multiple im- pairments. These may be present from birth, caused by medical condi- tions or result from accidents," Bajada said. Gozo Minister Clint Camill- eri said the camp showed how sports facilities in Gozo are being used to create concrete opportunities for Maltese and Gozitan children. ISPORT Training Camp for visually impaired athletes opens to families for the first time (From left) One of the athletes, Jacob Spackman, who took part in last weekend's ISPORT training camp receiving a Certificate of Achievement, presented by Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri in the presence of The Malta Trust Foundation chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and Malta Paralympic Committee secretary general Julian Bajada Children aged 8 to 16 with diverse abilities participated in the ISPORT Training Camp in Gozo, an experience that extended beyond conventional sports preparation