His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siġġiewi today, where he met with Maltese para athletes. During this significant visit, the Duke also met with residents of the home, staff, volunteers, schoolchildren and various sporting communities.
Upon his arrival, His Royal Highness was warmly welcomed by Fr Martin Micallef, Episcopal Vicar for Diaconia and Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, along with Prof. Joseph N. Grima, President of the Malta Paralympic Committee and the Siġġiewi Rowing Club. Among the dignitaries present were Mgr Joseph Galea-Curmi, Auxiliary Bishop of Malta; Hon. Julia Farrugia, Minister of Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector; Hon. Graziella Galea, Shadow Minister of Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector; and Architect Julian Borg, Mayor of Siġġiewi.
During his visit, the Duke met with players from Malta Wheelchair Basketball and Frame Football, followed by a wheelchair dance performance led by Ms Pippa Roberts in Dar tal-Providenza’s main hall. He also met with rowers, para rowers and administrators from Siġġiewi Rowing Club who use the gym at Dar tal-Providenza for their regular land training. The Duke received an overview of the club’s inclusive approach, which unites athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impairments allowing them to train alongside some of Malta’s top rowers.
At the end of his visit, the Duke presided over a certificate ceremony for the winners of the “Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Schools Competition,” which involved local schoolchildren and their families. The competition brought together eight schools, engaging over 50 enthusiastic participants, in a celebration of inclusivity and sportsmanship. It is one of several initiatives by the Malta Paralympic Committee aimed at raising awareness and creating a legacy for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. By promoting engagement and understanding of adaptive sports, the competition aimed to inspire educators to promote more inclusive sports and encourage the next generation to make a lasting impact in schools.
The Malta Paralympic Committee, a full member of the International Paralympic Committee, is the sole recognised national governing body responsible for the development and promotion of Paralympic Sport and para sport in Malta and Gozo.
Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a Church-run NGO which offers residential services for individuals with disabilities in Malta. It empowers residents in a family-like environment designed to enhance and maximises their abilities. Until 1962, the premises visited today by the Duke of Edinburgh served as a Royal Navy Rest Camp.