Who we are
The idea behind Special Olympics began in the early 1960s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated. She also saw that many children with special needs didn’t have a place to play and she took action.
Soon, her vision began to take shape, as she held a summer camp for young people with intellectual disabilities in her own backyard. The goal was to learn what these children could do in sports and other activities, and not dwell on what they could not do.
Between May 13 and 18, almost 1,000 athletes from 25 different countries will be travelling to Malta to take part in the first ever Special Olympics Invitational Games.
Dr. Lydia Abela
President of Special Olympics Malta
Dr Lydia Abela was appointed as the President of Special Olympics Malta in March 2021.
Lydia Abela was born in 1978 to Anthony and Emanuela Zerafa from Cospicua, and is one of five children. She is married to the Prime Minister of Malta Dr Robert Abela and they have a daughter, Giorgia Mae Abela.
In 2002, Lydia graduated as a lawyer from the University of Malta, and later graduated with a Master’s Degree in Maritime Law. Throughout her legal career, she specialised in Family law, Constitutional law and Environmental law.
In 2010, Dr Lydia Abela was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Partit Laburista. Whilst occupying this role, she steered an increase in the participation of women and youths in politics. She has also led an active role in the Maltese general elections since 2013.
Moreover, Dr Abela worked in the voluntary sector for a number of years. She is inspired by women from all walks of life, who are truly committed to improve the lives of others. She believes these women make a real difference through their voluntary work in both the public service and private entities.
