This year the event, which will see the participation of around 1,800 volunteers, will carry more significance in a European year dedicated to education through sports. The 242-hour marathon will be held at the Trade Fair Grounds between 9 and 19 August.

The beneficiaries this year will be the Dar tal-Providenza, which will receive 50 per cent of the funds, Lourdes Home in Gozo and the Ursuline Creche in Sliema, which will each receive 25 per cent.

Fr Charles Fenech, the director of the Kerygma Movement, explained that the aim of the volleyball marathon is to create a team whereby the muscles of the strong work for the muscles of the weak. He said there will be a number of radio live links with the marathon and a total of 72-hours of live links on the three television stations.

Dr George Abela, the chairman of the National Campaign of Solidarity through Sports, said many different marathons are organised every year but the go mobile Volleyball Marathon is a marathon with a difference. He said emphasis is being placed on the educational aspect of the marathon.

In fact, several education initiatives, such as one on waste separation, will take place during the marathon. This will be done especially because the theme for this year’s marathon is the environment and how this can be protected in order to allow future generations to appreciate it.

go mobile chief executive officer Juanito Camilleri spoke about the importance go mobile give to promoting solidarity and sports. He said this was the fourth year that his company was supporting the annual event, adding that go mobile was proud to be associated with such a highly successful event which makes a difference to many people’s lives. When asked, Professor Camilleri did not want to disclose the amount of his company’s sponsor for the event.

Last year Lm235,274 was collected following 241 hours of constant volleyball. This year, even though no specific target is being mentioned, the organisers hope to surpass this figure. “Even if we get Lm1 more we will be happy,” Fr Fenech said.

More than 1,300 musicians will be performing during the 10-day marathon.

For a Lm3 donation, people can phone on 5004-9553, 5004-9555 for a Lm5 donation and 5994-9550 for a Lm10 donation. Blank SMSs can be sent on 5075002 for a Lm2 donation, 5075003 for a Lm3 donation and 5075005 for a Lm5 donation.

Otherwise, donations can be made on APS Bank account 12501110011, HSBC Bank account 058078387050 or BOV Bank account 14604339011.