Interview

1. You've been a Special Olympics Malta Bowler Athlete for four years. Can you share how joining Special Olympics impacted your life, both in terms of personal growth and achievements in sports?
Joining Special Olympics Malta has been a significant impact on my life, both personally and athletically. Through the organisation, I have experienced tremendous personal growth, acquiring confidence, determination, and a strong sense of solidarity with fellow athletes. In terms of sports, it has provided me with the opportunity to improve my skills and abilities, compete at various levels, and experience the joy of representing my country in national and international tournaments. Before joining Special Olympics Malta, I’ve always doubted myself and questioned my abilities. But look at me today! I gradually built my confidence and managed to have a conversation in public.

2. Your passion for bowling has led to remarkable achievements, including winning the annual MBA Bronze Cup and earning two silver medals at the Special Olympics World Games 2023. Can you share the significance of these accomplishments in your bowling journey?
Winning the annual MBA Bronze Cup, participating in Special Olympics Malta International Games which was held in 2022, where I achieved 3 medals; silver, bronze and gold, and lately during the Special Olympics World Games which was held in Berlin last year, I’ve earned 2 silver medals. These are all significant goals in my bowling journey. These accomplishments represent the result of years of dedication and hard work and they serve as a testament to the progress I’ve made as an athlete bowler. They also inspire me to continue striving for excellence and serve as a source of motivation for other athletes, within the Special Olympics Community. Not only, but also within the community in general. What we achieve, thanks to Special Olympics Malta is also an inspiration to other people with and without intellectual disabilities in our country.

3. Beyond your athletic achievements, you hold significant roles like Secretary of the Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leadership Committee and SOM Health Messenger. How do these roles contribute to your mission of promoting inclusion and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities?
The creation of a more accepting and inclusive world, is one of Special Olympics’ goals. Through the athlete leadership, Special Olympics athletes have an opportunity to develop and extend their abilities in leadership roles. Holding roles such as secretary at the Special Olympics’ Malta Athlete Leadership Committee, and Special Olympics Malta Health Messenger has been extremely rewarding. These positions allow me to actively promote inclusion and provide support to individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a Health Messenger, I had the opportunity to advocate for health-related projects. One of the projects organized by the committee involve talks and workshops related to healthy wellbeing, strong minds and healthy habits. While my role in the Athlete Leadership Committee enables me to represent the voices of athletes and opinions to the overall objective of Special Olympics.

4. Alongside your sports involvement, you obtained a Degree in Art and Design. How do your artistic pursuits complement your involvement with Special Olympics, and how do you balance both aspects of your life?
My artistic pursuits, including obtaining a degree in Art and Design enhance my involvement with Special Olympics in a unique way. Art offers me with a creative outlet and a means of self-expression, both of which are necessary for me to maintain a healthy balance in my life. It also enables me to contribute to the visual aspects of Special Olympics events and projects which further combines my passion for art with my commitment to the organization. For example, I was asked to design a logo for the Athlete Leadership Committee and to create a sport-related artbook for the athletes.

5. As a role model and advocate for Special Olympics, your goal is to spread awareness and understanding through sports. How do you envision achieving this goal, and what message would you like to convey to encourage inclusion and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities?
My goal of spreading, promoting awareness and understanding through sports is rooted in the belief that sport has power to surpass barriers and bring people together. I envision achieving this goal by continuing to participate in events, sharing my personal journey, and actively advocating for inclusive practices in sports and beyond.

My message is simple. We can build a more inclusive and comprehensive society for everybody if we embrace diversity, foster empathy, create a respectful environment, and celebrate the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Only in this way, we can create a more comprehensive, inclusive and respectful society for all.