Following a talk for the ADHD group by Anna Calleya Philip started training with the Special Olympics Malta in February 2006.

The sport he chose was bowling. Training used to be three times a week and following a qualification tournament he was chosen together with another 3 athletes to form part of the Maltese Bowling team for the world Special Olympics which were held in Shangai, China between 2nd and 11th October 2007.

With over 7,500 athletes from 165 countries participating, the Maltese contingent consisting of 19 Athletes, 6 coaches, 2 heads of delegation together with family members and friends, was one of the smallest groups. The Maltese athletes took part in Athletics, Swimming, Bowling and Gymnastics.

A few days short of his 12th birthday Philip was the youngest Maltese athlete and also one of the youngest participants in these games.

Following weeks of training and preparations the day arrived and Philip together with the rest of the contingent left Malta on 27 September 2007 for their long trip to Shangai. For the first few days they were taken round Shangai and nearby villages meeting host families and meeting the local population and learning about their lifestyle, culture and traditions. This also gave them time to recover from jet lag and help them acclimatise to a new and different country.

Philip participated in 3 events mixed team, mixed doubles and singles (under 16). He won 2 silver medals, 1 with the mixed team and single (under 16), even though he was 1 of the youngest athletes and playing against older and more experienced players.

The Maltese Athletes obtained excellent results at these world events winning 7 gold, 11 silver and 15 bronze medals.

Philip really enjoyed his trip not only because he won medals but as it also was a great experience for him, participating in such a major event and also meeting athletes from all over the world.

The Maltese contingent returned to Malta on 14 October 2007 which also happened to be Philip's 12th birthday, very tired but also very happy.

I would like to thank, also on Philip's behalf all the people who helped and supported Philip with special thanks to his coaches Anna and Gian Carlo and the other members of the Special Olympics especially Anna Calleya head of Special Olympics Malta.

Also a special thanks to the ADHD Malta support group who followed and supported Philip. It was also thanks to the group that we became aware of the Special Olympics Malta which has helped Philip so much.