Bank of Valletta employees served a few shots in a friendly volleyball game against the captains and vice-captains of the volleyball teams who will be participating in this year's BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza.

The friendly game has become an annual entry in the BOV employees' calendar and it is held to raise further awareness on this charity drive among colleagues, families and friends.  The BOV team faced some stiff competition; however, they bravely soldiered on.   

Estelle Gatt Barbieri, BOV team captain said: "We truly enjoy coming to play with the marathoners.  Being a volleyball player myself, I understand the difficulties the marathoners have to endure, to keep playing at hours on end.  But it is for a worthy cause. I can say that on our part, we are more than willing to do what we can to raise more awareness. Our team is composed of diverse staff, most of us being complete beginners, others having played a game or two years ago when they were still at school.  So we don't offer much of a combat, but we still try our very best to win.  Most of all, we hope to serve as a practice stint for the real heroes of the day - the volleyball players who endure a demanding training regime and will be persevering in this heat." 

Stefan Decelis, Technical director of the marathon, has been coaching players for the past three years and selecting the final teams during the marathon weekend. He said that time is the biggest challenge for each and every player. Once selected, players also participate in a number of team-building activities so that they can get to know each other better. "It is a very taxing event, but all the hard work and dedication of our players and the sacrifices of the volunteers at Id-Dar tal-Providenza can only be rewarded through donations by the general public, all to help the residents enjoy a better life."

The BOV Marigold Volleyball Marathon was officially inaugurated on Friday, 5 July by George Vella, President of Malta.

Contributions can be made by calling on 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 7932 4834.