iSport
Empowering Children and Young People with Disabilities through Sport
ISPORT is a rights-based initiative designed to empower children and young people who are blind or visually impaired through sport.
About the Project
The ISPORT project is dedicated to inspiring, encouraging, and supporting children and young people who are blind or visually impaired to integrate sport into their daily lives.
By creating meaningful opportunities for participation, the project delivers a wide range of physical, social, and emotional wellbeing benefits.
At ISPORT, we believe that sport has the power to drive positive change and empower individuals with disabilities by helping them unlock their full potential and navigate life’s challenges.
Project Concept
Its primary goal is to facilitate access to inclusive physical activity, promote social inclusion, and enhance emotional, physical, and cognitive wellbeing.
The project recognises that sport is not only a tool for physical development but also a powerful vehicle for independence, confidence, life skills, and community engagement.
The project fosters a social wellbeing model, recognising that children’s mental health and confidence are nurtured when they are actively included in community and sporting activities alongside their peers.
ISPORT also seeks to build capacity within local clubs, coaches, and families to sustain long-term participation and empowerment for children with disabilities.
Frameworks / aligned with
Convention on the Rights of the Child
CRC Articles 2, 3, 31 — ensuring equality, participation, and play.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
CRPD Articles 7, 30 — ensuring children with disabilities have access to recreation, play, sport, and cultural life.
Malta’s National Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing
2021–2026 — promoting holistic wellbeing through accessible, inclusive, and community-based initiatives.
Since its introduction in 2022
Since its introduction in 2022, ISPORT has built a growing community of youth athletes, coaches, sports clubs, and family support networks.
- ISPORT operates in close collaboration with the Malta Paralympic Committee.
- The Malta Paralympic Committee is the national governing body for Para sport in Malta and Gozo.
- Guided by its ethos Inclusion meets Excellence, MPC fosters an inclusive sporting environment that encourages participation and achievement at all levels.
- International collaborations, notably with the Federazione Italiana Nuoto Paralimpico, have enabled Maltese visually impaired and Para athletes to benefit from visiting international coaches, specialised training, and skills development workshops.
Key Challenges & Needs
Coach Training & Development
Ongoing upskilling is essential, as training visually impaired athletes requires specialised techniques and professional guidance.
Athlete Recruitment & Retention
Efforts are needed to broaden participation and ensure balanced representation across age groups and localities.
Public and Private Sector Engagement
Strengthening partnerships with public and private entities is crucial to enhance awareness of Para sport and promote inclusion.
Athlete Development Pathways
Structured feedback mechanisms between athletes, coaches, and parents are needed to monitor progress and guide competitive aspirations.
Collaboration and Support
ISPORT extends sincere thanks to the Malta Football Association and UEFA Foundation for their generous financial support.
This support has been instrumental in enabling the programme to provide high-quality training, international coaching exchanges, and accessible sporting opportunities for visually impaired and blind athletes across Malta.
Malta Paralympic Committee
ISPORT operates in close collaboration with MPC, the national governing body for Para sport in Malta and Gozo.
FINP
International collaboration with the Federazione Italiana Nuoto Paralimpico has supported specialised training and skills development workshops.
Schools and Community Organisations
Partnerships with MPC, FINP, schools, and community organisations help build an inclusive, empowering, and sustainable Para sport ecosystem.
MFA and UEFA Foundation
Their financial support has enabled high-quality training, international coaching exchanges, and accessible sporting opportunities.
Pathway from Participation to Empowerment
Access to Sport
Skill Development & Confidence Building
Increased Independence & Social Inclusion
Community Engagement & Leadership Opportunities
Empowerment & Rights Realisation
This pathway illustrates how ISPORT supports young visually impaired athletes to move from initial participation in sport to full empowerment, reflecting the principles of social inclusion, rights-based participation, and holistic wellbeing.
ISPORT ensures that every young athlete can experience the transformative power of sport.