President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca this morning kicked off a football match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun, aimed to raise funds for the Community Chest Fund.

Taking part are a number of celebrities including Gianluca Bezzina, politicians Carmelo Abela and Jason Azzopardi, and former players Reggie Cini and Carmel Busuttil.

With them are also a group of inmates.

Addressing the crowd, the president lauded all those who participated, and for their team spirit. “ The Maltese public truly holds Christmas spirit, not only interested in receiving gifts, but also providing help to those in need. There are people out there who are suffering from illnesses or social problems.”

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca thanked the Gozitans for their donations during Gozo’s edition of L-Istrina, over the past two days.

The president said that inmates at Corrective Facilities should be given the opportunity to reintegrate within society, while giving back to society what they’ve taken back. Today, inmates are also encouraged to give back to victims of their actions.