Pictured above: DHL Express Malta Country Manager Charles Schiavone presenting the sponsorship to Anna Calleja, Special Olympics Malta National Sports Director

Special Olympics Malta is expecting a busy calendar of events in the next two years, both locally and internationally, and what better way to be on top of their game than with the support of German logistics giant, DHL Express.

DHL’s local subsidiary, DHL Express Malta, has undertaken to provide logistics and transportation services not only for Special Olympics Malta’s two main international commitments, the Special Olympics European Summer Games in Antwerp, Belgium, in September and the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, USA, in July and August, 2015.

DHL Express Malta will also be supporting Special Olympics Malta at other international competitions and in hosting international competitions locally.

The Special Olympics Games are international sporting meetings for athletes with intellectual disabilities. They were first held in Chicago, USA, in 1968, with the message that disabled people can flourish through sport.

These Games have since spread worldwide, with summer and winter editions of regional sport meetings also being held. These events now bring together thousands of athletes from all around the world.

In addition to this support, DHL Express Malta will also be assisting Special Olympics Malta in holding the 2nd Maltese edition of the Healthy Athletes Programme, which is planned for April/May 2015. “The Healthy Athletes Programme aims to provide free health services, information and education to the athletes on healthy lifestyle choices,” Special Olympics Malta National Sports Director Anna Calleja said.

“The Healthy Athletes Programme was launched in Malta in September 2011, and now we want to anchor it definitely here with this second edition next year, with the strong help of DHL Express Malta. This is a considerable commitment for which we are most grateful,” she added.

DHL Express Malta, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, accepted with pleasure to sponsor Special Olympics Malta. “Special Olympics Malta’s commitment to promote sport among those with intellectual disabilities is truly noble,” DHL Express Malta Country Manager Charles Schiavone said. “That’s why we are very proud, at DHL Express Malta, to assist them in their mission and to be in a better position to participate and host international sporting events in the next two years.

“Our role, through this sponsorship is to ensure we cover any expenses related to extra luggage, such as sports gear, for the various international sport meetings, but especially the transport to Malta of all the medical equipment sent by Special Olympics International for the Healthy Athletes Programme in 2015,” he added.