Organised by the Kerygma Movement, in aid of Id-Dar tal Providenza, the Ursoline Sisters and Lourdes Home in Gozo, the 242-hours of non-stop volleyball will be coloured by the Talentissima 2004, which comprises 11 shows on stage by some of Malta’s leading entertainers – dancers, bands, magicians, comedians and more.
The opening ceremony this evening begins at 7pm at the Trade Fair Grounds, Naxxar. The 54 participating athletes will enter the court and the six team captains will be carrying an Olympic-type torch.
Education, Youth and Employment Minister Louis Galea will declare the marathon open and this will be followed by Mgr Lawrence Gatt’s blessing of the court. The first service will be given at 9pm and the marathon will then continue without interruption until 11pm on 19 August.
The audience’s attention tonight will be divided between the court and the stage, with performances from Mary Spiteri, Olivia and Marvic Lewis, Peruvian folklore group Sayar and others.
The 11 shows that make up the Talentissima festival will provide five hours of entertainment every day from a wide range of artists – from rock bands like Fakawi and Scream Daisy to break-dancers and gymnasts. Snippets of the festival will be broadcast live on TVM, NET TV and Super One TV.
Sunday will be dedicated to Maltese culture, so the traditional ghannejja will be performing on the night. The Bravi and Sfida teams will also put on a show for the audience’s enjoyment.
The final evening of the festival and the marathon will begin at 6.30pm and will host singers who have represented Malta abroad, such as Ira Losco, Claudette Pace, Myriam Christine, Georgina and Chiara.
Singer-songwriter Philip Vella will have the honour of performing last, as he has composed three of the songs that made Malta’s mark at the Eurovision Song Contest.
At the end of the evening, Kerygma Director Fr Charles Fenech will announce the amount of money donated over the course of the marathon and will present trophies to the players and coaches.
Apart from the volleyball being played on the court, and the shows being performed on the stage, visitors will be able
to enjoy other facilities such as convenient parking, a restaurant and souvenir and exhibitions stands. CDs and T-shirts will also be on sale.