The Special Olympics team that left Gibraltar on Tuesday will be competing in Floorball, Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing at the Games, which will be held In the cities of Graz, Schladming and Ramsau respectively from the 18th to 24th March.

The Gibraltarian contingent featuring 15 athletes and unified partners and 9 officials will join over 2700 athletes from 107 nations at Saturday’s Opening Ceremony, which will be held in Schladming. The Games will also feature the involvement of over 3000 volunteers, 1100 coaches and 800 members of the media.

Minister Sacramento will join the Gibraltar athletes in Austria and will also march with them at Saturday’s Opening ceremony. In addition, Minister Sacramento will also be attending the Global Forum on Inclusion in Social Affairs and Sports and various Ministerial forums that have been organised.

Minister Linares, who will be unable to attend, wishes the athletes and coaches well: “Annie Risso and her team make Gibraltar proud on a daily basis and their participation at the World Winter Games will be no different. I urge them to remember their motto and hope that they win, but if they don’t they must be brave in their attempt. Make the most of the experience and enjoy every minute.”