The 8th edition of the BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, was officially inaugurated by Her Excellency, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta. She was accompanied by Hon Justyne Caruana Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Aging, Mrs Elvia George, Chief Finance Officer at Bank of Valletta and member on the Board of the Marigold Foundation – BOV in the Community and Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza,
President Coleiro Preca was given a warm welcome by everyone present, including the residents and their support workers. In her speech, Her Excellency praised the hard work undertaken by the Residential Home, and the dedication of the support workers and the volunteers that go out of their way to make this event possible, year after year. “For more than half a century, id-Dar tal-Providenza remains true to the mission of its founding father Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. He was a pioneer at the time, and today, with its Homes in the Community, id-Dar tal-Providenza is being a pioneer showing us how these residents may lead a full life in our communities.”
Thanking H.E Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Fr Martin Micallef expressed his appreciation towards the general public for their donations during Friday’s Xarabank programme that yielded more than EUR260,005 towards the Home. “This Marathon brings to the fore three important values – the value of solidarity, the value of volunteer work whilst highlighting the importance of sports. Our players have shown stoic commitment over the past six weeks through gruelling training and personal sacrifice.” Whilst thanking everyone involved, he reiterated his plea for assistance, “With everyone’s help, we can continue to make these people’s lives more meaningful. With your help, we can provide them with the facilities and the quality of life they deserve. This is what the BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon stands for.”
Hon Dr Justyne Caruana made reference to the Community Homes, the most recent one inaugurated last April in Zurrieq as a joint project of her Secretariat, Agenzija Sapport and Dar il-Providenza. “I applaud the efforts of id-Dar tal-Providenza that is investing to integrate its residents in the community, with four homes already in operation.”
She made reference to the project Soċjeta Ġusta being implemented by the Government to ensure that nobody is left behind and is fully included. “It is our responsibility to ensure that that these residents are fully included in their communities, and receive high quality services whilst providing them with the opportunity to work and participate in society in full.”
Mrs Elvia George said that id-Dar tal-Providenza continues to hold a special place in the heart of the Maltese community. “Assisting NGOs like Id-Dar tal-Providenza is one of the main objectives of the Marigold Foundation. We recognise the sterling work provided by id-Dar to Providenza and we are proud to assist in their needs. In so doing, the Foundation fulfils its overarching aim of working towards building a better community, this time by focusing on causes related to special needs. Mrs Muscat, Chairperson of The Marigold Foundation, continues to support id-Dar tal-Providenza and while she could not be with us today, she will be visiting id-Dar this weekend.”
The Marathon will run until Sunday 3rd 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. A big screen has also been set up for visitors who wish to follow the EUFA Euro 2016, whilst children can enjoy themselves in a specifically designed area. 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.