The 53-hour BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon 2017 for Dar tal-Providenza kicks off

The 9th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon was officially inaugurated by Her Excellency, Dolores Christina, Acting President of Malta. On her arrival, she was welcomed by Father Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, and Mr Ivan Grech from the Marigold Foundation and Ms Joyce Tabone, Manager at Bank of Valletta. Present for the inauguration were Hon. Anthony Agius Decelis, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Dr Cliffton Grima, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, Dr Maria Deguara, Shadow Minister for the Elderly and Persons with Disability, Oliver Scicluna, Chairperson of the National Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, and Mr Mark Cutajar, Chairperson Kunsill Malti għall-Isports.

As is customary at this time of the year, the car park at the Home in Siggiewi has been transformed into a volleyball court and entertainment area for the annual fund-raising marathon, with the theme Sabiħ li Tagħti.

In her speech, H. E. Dolores Christina praised this event for being a “veritable showcase of altruism, voluntary work and teamwork.” She said, “It is remarkable how fifty years later this Home still lives up to the values of its Founder Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. In so doing, it epitomises the altruism and solidarity that is branded in the character of the Maltese people.” She thanked the team of volunteers and players for their efforts in making this event possible year in year out.

Thanking the Acting President, Father Martin Micallef also expressed his gratitude towards the general public for its constant support, which is the force that keeps the Home running. “We are humbled by the public’s support, tangible proof of which was given during last Friday’s broadcast of Xarabank when the sum of EUR355,353 was collected. This sum will be added to the donations received during this Marathon.” Father Martin highlighted the recent milestones in the Home’s development, including the state-of-the-art aqua therapy pool that has been inaugurated last year and is already integrated in the therapy of the residents, and the community homes in Siggiewi and Zurrieq, where residents are leading a more independent life as integral members of the community. He also mentioned the Home in Balluta and installation of five lifts as important projects lined up for the near future. In his intervention, he thanked the Marigold Foundation and Bank of Valletta for their ongoing support towards the Home.

Ivan Grech applauded the efforts being made by all. “It gives us great satisfaction to witness that the enhancements being made by this Home that provides care and a family environment to over 100 residents, in addition to the Homes in the Community that are permitting some of the residents to lead a more independent life. In so doing, this Home epitomises what the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community stands for; giving NGOs a platform to project their cause better.”

Corroborating on Mr Grech, Joyce Tabone said that, “This marathon brings to the fore the best values of Maltese society, namely philanthropy, voluntary work and sports. Over 300 volunteers will be dedicated their time and efforts to raise funds towards this cause. The players have been undergoing gruelling training regime for over two months, in spite of their commitments towards work and family. With everyone’s help, we can continue to make these people’s lives more meaningful, and continue improving their quality of life.”

The Marathon will run until Sunday 2nd 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 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.