Persons with disability encouraged to take up sports

According to parliamentary secretary for sport Stefan Buontempo, at least 20% of persons with disability will be practicing some three hours of sports every week.

Addressing the Special Olympics Eurasia Regional Conference held in Malta, Buontempo said it was society's responsibility to see that individuals with special needs lead a full life.

"Sports is a powerful tool to foster greater inclusion... a concept which Malta will push for," Buontempo said. "It is high time we work harder in providing equal opportunities in sports."

This was the reason, he said, that special Olympics were included in the Summer on the Move programme, administered by the Malta Council for Sports (KMS).

"This way, sports enthusiasts and their families can benefit from the government programme," Buontempo added.