President of the Republic Marie Louise Colerio Preca today launched the President’s Ball to take place in Gozo on Saturday 30 August.

Speaking during the launch at Ggantija Temples in Gozo this morning, the President said that the President’s Ball is not just for Gozitans but to help expose Gozo’s “beauty”.

Following the launch, the President visited Comino.

While in Gozo, she explained that the event will help expose Gozo’s characteristics and traditions. Patrons, she promised, will attend to an educational, artistic and historic experience.

During her speech, she emphasised on the fact that unfortunately, the rate of those hit by cancer is on the increase and the Malta Community Chest Fund remains the only national fund which financially helps such patients hit with this illness to get treated.

Turning to the President’s August Moon Ball, she said that unfortunately, due to limited space, the event cannot host all those who wish to attend.

She highlighted that the Gozo event will be an opportunity for those attending to donate money to the MCCF.

Gozo Minister Anton Refalo said that the event clearly shows that this presidency is working for the whole of Malta and Gozo population, the aspect of humanity being the centre of its work.

Dr Refalo thanked all the volunteers and all those who dedicate their time to help such organisations which promote noble gestures.

Nationalist Party Secretary General Chris Said lauded the initiative and pledged the Opposition’s support in initiatives the population at large can benefit from.

Daphne Caruana, the curator of the Ggantija temples explained that it is an honour for Heriatge Mata that the temples were chosen to expose such an event.

Catermax will be responsible for the catering of the event while the Xaghra Historical Re-enactment Organisation will be performing reenactments which date back to pre historic times.

Maltese patrons attending the event can cross to Gozo for free specifically for this event by means of the Fernandes which will leave from Cirkewwa, Malta for Mgarr, Gozo.

Those interested in securing their place for the ball can visit www.mccf.org.mt or may choose to contact the President’s Palace in Valletta, or San Anton, or the MCCF in Rabat, Gozo.

President's Comino visit

During her visit to the island of Comino, where she arrived by means of an AFM patrol boat, both President Coleiro Preca and her husband met with the management and employees of the Comino Hotel.

While there, she also visited the only four Comino residents.

One of the residents, Salvu Vella, explained how he felt honoured that for the first time in Malta’s history, the head of State visited them.

The President’s visit ended at the Santa Marija Tower where she was welcomed by the Din l Art Helwa’s volunteers, the NGO responsible for the safeguarding of the Comino historic tower.

She thanked the environmental NGO for its ongoing work to safeguard the tower.