Third ISPORT Training Camp brings families of youth athletes with disabilities together in Gozo

The Malta Trust Foundation, with the support of the EUFA Foundation, and in collaboration with the Malta Paralympic Committee (MPC) and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, organised the third edition of the ISPORT Training Camp between 23 and 25 January, in Gozo.

For the first time, this edition of the camp extended beyond athletes and coaches to actively include families, recognising their vital role in the sporting and personal development of children with disabilities. A total of 16 families  travelled to Gozo to participate in an intensive three-day programme at the newly inaugurated Gozo Indoor Sports & Aquatic Pavilion (GISAP), a state-of-the-art facility designed to offer accessible and inclusive sporting environments.

Building on the strong foundations laid by two previous ISPORT swimming camps, the initiative reflects The Malta Trust Foundation’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities, with the help of the Malta Paralympic Committee, who believe that sport is a tool for empowerment, inclusion and connection. While technical training remains an important component, this edition of the  camp placed particular emphasis on strengthening the support network around young athletes with disabilities.

Alongside pool-based training sessions and professional development for coaches, families participated in shared activities and informal discussion spaces aimed at encouraging dialogue, mutual support and the exchange of experiences. By bringing parents and caregivers together in a dedicated setting, the camp aimed to foster understanding and build lasting relationships among families who often face multiple challenges in their journeys.

International expertise was once again be provided by Italian Paralympic swimming coaches, Federica Fornasiero and Enrico Testa, both of whom play a leading role in the training and accreditation of Paralympic swimming coaches in Italy, having decades of experience working with athletes with disabilities from grassroots to elite levels. Their involvement ensures that participating swimmers and coaches benefit from world class technical guidance, adapted methodologies, and personalised feedback tailored to different physical and visual impairments.

The Malta Trust Foundation and Malta Paralympic Committee highlighted that while sporting progress remains an important performance measure, the wider impact of the ISPORT initiative is equally important. By bringing families together in a shared environment, the camp created space for parents and caregivers to connect, exchange experiences and build supportive relationships, , reinforcing the idea that progress is greatest when children, parents and coaches move forward as one team. 

The Malta Trust Foundation also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with national and international partners, noting that initiatives such as ISPORT demonstrate how coordinated efforts can translate impact investment and expertise into tangible, long-term benefits for children with disabilities and their families.

Through this third ISPORT Training camp, the Malta Trust Foundation, The Malta Paralympic Committee and their partners hope to further strengthen an inclusive sporting culture in Malta and Gozo - one that not only nurtures athletic ability, but also builds confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging among all those involved.