The 11th edition of the BOV Marigold Volley marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza was officially launched during a press conference held at the home for people with disability in Siġġiewi.
The 53-hour volleyball marathon will kick off on Friday, 5 July at 6.30pm in the car park of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and continues non-stop until midnight of 7 July.
The event was officially launched by Fr Martin Micallef, director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza and Michelle Muscat, chairperson of The Marigold Foundation - BOV in the Community. They were accompanied by Elvia George, chief Finance officer at Bank of Valletta and Emanuel Zammit, chairperson of the marathon's organising committee.
"The marathon is an annual fund-raising event in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza that really puts altruism to the fore,' said Fr Martin. "The marathon sees sportsmanship and volunteerism going hand-in-hand with the sole aim of raising funds to ensure that this home continues to offer a family-like environment for its residents."
"The Marigold Foundation recognises the fact that for the majority of its funding requirements Id-Dar tal-Providenza relies on donations from the Maltese and Gozitan population," said Mrs Muscat. "The role of the Marigold Foundation in this annual fund-raising initiative is to cover all expenses related to the organisation of the volleyball marathon, thus ensuring that each and every cent donated by the general public during this weekend of solidarity goes towards the running and upkeep of this very important element in the fabric of the Maltese community."
"Bank of Valletta has been an integral part of all 11 editions of the Volleyball marathon, an initiative that we are proud to be associated with. Besides raising the much-needed funds, this event spreads the home's message of respect and dignity towards people with disability," said George. "We are confident that this year's edition will once again be another testimony of the nation's generosity that we are synonymous with."
"We are very grateful to all the participants in the marathon, the players, organisational committee and volunteers who each year turn up in numbers to ensure the success of this annual celebration of sports and solidarity," said Zammit. "We are happy to see the commitment of people who return year after year, as well as seeing new faces to keep the event fresh and form new friendships in this ever increasing family."
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 make their donation on the following number 79324834. There is also a pledge line 2146 1537.