Id-Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi today launched the 3rd edition of the popular volleyball marathon which is aimed at raising funds for the home that today houses 100 residents and which needs around for million euro a year to operate.
This year’s edition of the 53 hour marathon will be hosted between the 1st and 3rd of July. Details about the marathon were announced during a press conference addressed by Fr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza; Manuel Zammit, Chairman of the event’s organising committee; Jesmond Saliba and Michael Magro.
Addressing the media, Fr Martin Micallef explained how Id-Dar tal-Providenza seeks to first and foremost offer residence to persons with disabilty within an environment that shows them respect and dignity. “Our work however does not only benefit directly the residents but also offers respite to families of people with disability.” We are really counting on the generosity of all those who will be participating, helping and just visiting to give their support to this worthy initiative in order for us to keep offering the services we have offered to date” said Fr Micallef.
In his address, Manuel Zammit explained how a decision was taken two years ago to bring the volleyball marathon back to the grounds of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. “This year we are going to repeat the same exercise because we confirmed the importance that the Maltese people come here to see for themselves the work and the demands required by such an institution like Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
Moreover, our residents will also feel more actively participant from the very first few weeks when we start preparing for this marathon. For them, having the marathon here makes them feel like ‘playing home’ and this also encourages their interaction with the public.”
“This year is dedicated to voluntary work and therefore, this volleyball marathon coincides well since we are expecting an active participation from around 400 volunteers,” added Mr Zammit. “Our hopes are for this marathon to be yet another success not only from the funds raised but also and more importantly by advocating in favour of volunteer work and the immense personal satisfaction and fulfilment that any individual can derive when he dedicates some of his time and effort to helping those who are in need.”
Mr Jesmond Saliba said that the Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a place which inspires hope and serenity at a time when there is too much uncertainty and anxiety. It is a place which has a special place in Malta’s society and which symbolises what is unique to the Maltese character, solidarity in practice. It is a place which needs support and this support is required constantly. He invited also the local business community to also take the example of various entrepreneurs and also support the work undertaken at the Id-Dar tal-Providenza.
Applications for players and volunteers are now open. Volunteers are needed for administration, the management of the bar, entertainment, services related to kitchen and laundry, maintenance and setting up, medical and physiotherapy reception area, transport and ushering.
Applications can be downloaded from www.volley4dtp.org or www.dartalprovidenza.org