MCAST Sport Students glow in the dark

Youth Exchange programme for youngsters living with diabetes

UV glow-in the dark Street Soccer and other games were organised in Pjazza San Gorg Valletta, which actually saw all the lights being switched off for this very unique event. The ground was lit up with ultraviolet lighting, thus making clothing and other equipment glow as they started to reflect the light. All this was set up with the help of a very active group of volunteers, all MCAST Sport Students who teamed up with other volunteers from SPARK 15, a local organisation promoting integration to change the city into a glowing playground for the night.

The volunteers enjoyed having a shot as well as soon as the event kicked off. Apart from the glow sticks and reflecting clothing, everyone was highly colourful due to ultra violet make up! The event was organised as part of ‘SHAKE IT’ programme that MOVE (NGO) is organising with the support of Valletta 2018 Foundation as part of the European City of Culture programme, in collaboration with MCAST and Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector.

MOVE believes that through the above support and thanks to the sterling work dedication and commitment of the volunteers, our society can overcome the barriers that stop young people from being active and consequently promote active communities as well as community cohesion through street sports and culture. On the initiative of the Associazione delle Persone con Diabete “Stili di Vita” of Palermo, a group of 12 youths participated in a Youth Exchange Programme in Palermo. The group was led by Anna Zammit McKeon, President of the Maltese Diabetes Association, Moira Grixti, Practice Nurse in Diabetes and Dr Christine Bajada, Resident Specialist in Diabetes and Endocrinology.

During their stay in Palermo, the Maltese Youths together with those from the Association of Palermo participated in workshops highlighting survival skills with Diabetes as a common factor.

The Maltese group were taken on a guided tour of Palermo and had the opportunity to taste the local delicacies. The group also had the opportunity to share and discuss their life with diabetes and the tools they have at their disposal to ensure good glycemic control.