Well-known TV personalities, journ-alists, members of parliament and refugees took part in a number of five-a-side football matches yesterday in the ruins of the Opera House in Valletta.

The event brought to an end the activities organised to mark World Refugee Day, which this year had the theme of Hope.

The event began at around 9.30am and a number of 10-minute games were organised until 12.30pm.

During a short break, the refugees entertained members of the public with traditional music and provided some traditional food.

Various personalities took part in the event, including Peppi Azzopardi (Xarabank,) Colin Aquilina (Tista’ Tkun Int), Roderick Vassallo (Santa Monika), television presenter Charles Saliba, Members of Parliament from both sides of the House of Representatives, Dr Harry Vassallo (Alternattiva Demokrattika), Massimo Farrugia (The Times of Malta), Keith Demicoli (Media-Link) and Brandon Pisani (l-Orizzont), despite the scorching heat.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina attended the event.

Apart from the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Agenzija APPOgg, Dar il-Qawsalla, Dar is-Sliem, The Emigrants’ Commission, Integra Foundation, the Jesuit Refugee Service (Malta), The Malta Red Cross, Moviment Graffiti and Suret-il Bniedem (Marsa Open Centre) were involved in the organisation of the event.

Water for the players was sponsored by Marsovin.