Archbishop Paul Cremona, OP, and Mrs Catherine Gonzi, chairperson of HSBC Cares For Children Fund, kicked off the third Puttinu Football Marathon being held at the Marsa Sports Ground. The 60-hour marathon is organised by the Puttinu Cares Children’s Cancer Support Group, and will run until tomorrow.

The HSBC Cares For Children Fund (HCCF) has contributed a total of Lm13,000 over the past six years, with a sponsorship of Lm2,000 annually. This year, HCCF will be donating an additional Lm500 towards the marathon.

The main aim of the marathon is to raise cancer awareness in a positive context. As in previous years, the marathon is expected to host around 400 teams which will include members of parliament, the Kalamita Match, the Hermann Bonaci Team, Where’s Everybody, Zoo, and teams from Tista’ Tkun Int and Net TV.

World-known international Italian goalkeeper Gigi Buffon will also be making his appearance throughout the football marathon, and will be playing a game with the children. Entertainment will be provided by Ira Losco, Mike Spiteri, Gawdenz, Glen Vella, She 2’s, Ali and Lis, Fabrizio Faniello, Hooligan and Hector Bruno. The marathon will include various sports such as basketball, rugby, judo, cycling, go-karting and BMX shows. Other events include demonstrations of remote-controlled cars and by the Malta Police Dog Section.

“The HSBC Cares for the Children Fund has helped the Puttinu Cares Children’s Cancer Support Group throughout the past six years. It has been such a wonderful experience working with these children and knowing that any activity that the bank supports will bring a smile to every child’s face. This marathon is important because it will raise awareness on the needs of young cancer patients and their families, and will give them great encouragement by the participation of other children and personalities,” said Mrs Gonzi.