The 53-hour BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon for Id-Dar tal-Providenza this year enters into its 10th edition.
The Volleyball Marathon was officially inaugurated earlier this evening by H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta who visited the Home and was given a warm welcome by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of the Home and Ms Elvia George, Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta and member on the Board of the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community. Present for the inauguration were also Hon Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Dr Clifton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations as well as Dr Maria Deguara, Shadow Minister for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing.
Fr Martin Micallef started his brief address by thanking the volunteers for their support all the year round, and also the players who not only participate in the marathon but also undergo two months of gruelling training to make it to the final cut. “This marathon rests on pillars that are very dear to us – solidarity and sport. The altruistic spirit of everyone involved shines throughout the event, showing that ‘where there is a will there is a way’. We are humbled by the public’s support year after year.” Fr Martin gave an overview of the manner in which the Home evolved, saying that the big project for the coming year is the opening of another home in Balluta as well as a much needed overhaul of Dar iż-Żerniq in Siġġiewi, the very first Home in the Community for the residents of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.”
Corroborating on Fr Martin’s comments, Elvia George said that, “The Marigold Foundation has been working closely with Id-Dar tal-Providenza since it was set up. Even the day-to-day running of this Home represents an incredible task, let alone investing in new and enhanced facilities. However, this is necessary not only for the current residents of the Home, but also for those individuals who enter this place for a respite period. Over the decades, this Home has remained true to the values of its founding Father and truly provides a family environment for everyone who seeks its support.” She concluded by saying that in this, Id-Dar tal-Providenza epitomises what the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community stands for; giving NGOs a platform to project their cause better.”
H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca expressed her satisfaction at the manner in which the nation “comes together to support Id-Dar tal-Providenza, throughout the year, but particularly during this annual event.” She continued, “Five decades later, this Home is still a living testament to the vision of its Founder Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. Nowadays, it still has a pivotal role to play in providing its residents with the dignity and inclusion they deserve to live their lives to their full potential.”
The Marathon will run until Sunday 1st July at the grounds of the Home itself. In addition to supporting the players who will be playing volleyball, visitors may enjoy some of Malta’s best talent. The Band of the Armed Forces of Malta, followed by Kersten Graham’s Band will perform on Friday. The Police Force Band accompanied by local singers will give a musical show on Saturday while the popular Band The Crowns will perform on Sunday till the end of the Marathon.
A big screen for World Cup football entusiasts, will also be available together with food stalls.
The Marathon will be aired live on television stations TVM, TVM2, NET TV and One TV.
Contributions can be made by calling 51702012 for a €15 donation and 51802013 for a €25 donation. A donation of €6.99 can be made by sending a blank SMS to 50618944. BOV Mobile Pay subscribers may also make their donation to the following number 79324834. There is also a pledge line 2146 1537.
