The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon 2016 marks the eighth anniversary of this annual event. Preparations are well underway for the major fund-raising event towards the much-loved Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
This was announced by Fr Martin Micallef, director of the Residential Home and Michelle Muscat, chairperson of The Marigold Foundation - BOV in the Community when they were addressing the media.
Present during the press conference were also Elvia George, Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta and Emanuel Zammit, chairperson of the Volleyball Marathon Organising Committee.
The 53-hour-long marathon will kick off on Friday, 1 July in the Residential Home itself. More than 300 volunteers come together to make this event possible, thereby raising valuable funds for the Home, which today, 50 years later, still personifies the vision of its Founder Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. He was one of the pioneers in Malta who worked hard to ensure that people with special needs are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, instead of being ridiculed or sent to institutions ill-equipped to address their needs.
In his address, Father Martin spoke about the mission of the upcoming "feast of generosity" and said: "The Home is today as close to the mission of its founding father as the day its first stone was set. In fact, later on this month, we shall be receiving the first residents who will be living in a new community home in Zurrieq which we have inaugurated earlier this year. During this marathon, we shall be collecting funds to open another community home in Balluta."
Ms Muscat expressed her satisfaction that the Foundation and Bank of Valletta are renewing their support towards this fund-raising event. "Year after year, we witness first-hand the hard work that many, including volunteers put into this Home. The loving environment instilled in the Home radiates in the residents themselves.
The Homes in the community are a commendable endeavour, bridging the gap between the residents and the rest of the community, creating further scope for inclusion and integration."
Speaking about the work undertaken by the Foundation, Mrs Muscat explained that the Foundation is the natural evolution of Bank of Valletta's philanthropic efforts in the community. "The Foundation acts as a link between the different NGOs and their publics, while maximizing use of resources so as to ensure they are used to full capacity. It assists NGOs like Id-Dar tal-Providenza to raise much-needed funds through fund-raising events and other activities, in a bid to help them achieve their full potential."
"There are 78 volunteers undergoing training sessions leading to the selection phase, during which they will be narrowed down to 40 players who will be participating in the Volleyball Marathon. These players dedicate significant hours and effort, not only during the marathon itself but also in the months leading to it. This is necessary to ensure that they have the necessary stamina to endure 53 hours of continuous play.
"As in past editions, this year's marathon will feature a number of seasonal players who have been with us from the very beginning and others who are participating for the first time. During the marathon there will be live entertainment by local bands and singers, an area dedicated for children and food stalls. Football enthusiasts can also watch the Euro Cup 2016 matches on a big screen," said Mr Zammit.
The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon will take place at Id-Dar tal-Providenza between Friday, 1 July and Sunday 3rd. President Marie-Louise Coleiro-Preca will be inaugurating the marathon in a brief ceremony on Friday at 6.30pm. The public is invited to visit the marathon at the residential home itself and make donations towards its running.
Contributions can be made by calling 51702012 for a €15 donation and 51802013 for a €25 donation. Donations can also be made by sending an SMS on 50618944 or through BOV Mobile Pay on 7932 4834.