On Friday 18 July, Her Excellency Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, officially inaugurated the 15th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza. Forty players, selected from a total of seventy applicants, started the challenge of 53 hrs of non‑stop volleyball.

In a short speech at the opening of the marathon, the President of Malta, H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono described Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza as a pioneer of inclusion in Malta. The President remarked that the Maltese and Gozitan people are aware of and grateful for the hard work carried out by Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza for the benefit of its residents and their families.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono stressed the need for the Maltese people to continue to understand the difficulties that persons with disability and their relatives are going through, while appealing for the generosity of the Maltese and Gozitans so that Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza can continue to assist and offer a dignified life to these persons, and be a relief to their families.

In his inaugural address Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza welcomed all those present to the 15th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon which he described as an annual appointment of sport, solidarity and generosity in support of a cause that is truly close to the hearts of all the Maltese.

He added that this year is particularly special, not only because Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza is celebrating 15 years of this marathon, but also because it is marking a historic milestone – the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Home by the visionary priest Mgr Mikiel Azzopardi. Sixty years ago, Mgr Azzopardi dreamed of a home where persons with disabilities would be not only cared for but respected, included, and treated as full members of society. 

Today, that dream lives on, stronger than ever. Over the next 53 hours, forty dedicated players will give their all, not just for the love of volleyball, but also to support a just cause. Their endurance, commitment, and team spirit mirror the very values at the heart of Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza – the sacredness of life, respect for all, support for  families, and a community spirit that empowers persons with disabilities to live with dignity, autonomy, and inclusion. Mgr Micallef thanked all those who made this event possible: Bank of Valletta the main sponsor of this event, the organising committee, the players, volunteers, sponsors and the media.

Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of Bank of Valletta, stated that the Bank is proud of its long‑standing relations with Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza. This is the fifteenth year that the Bank is supporting this marathon, which exemplifies the link between sport and volunteering.

Mr Farrugia added: “As a leading Bank in Malta, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the community and in this way support Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza and the invaluable work done in carrying out its mission. The Bank remains committed to foster this partnership that ties in well with its values, in particular inclusion, and continue helping the more vulnerable members of society.”

Present for the official opening were the Hon. Julia Farrugia, Minister forInclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the Hon. Dr Jo Etienne Abela, Minister for Health and Active Ageing, the Hon. David Agius, Deputy Speaker and Shadow Minister for Sports, the Hon. Graziella Galea, Shadow Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector, the Hon. Rosianne Cutajar, Mr Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of Bank of Valletta the main sponsor of the Marathon, Mr Ernest Agius, Chief Operations Officer at Bank of Valletta, representing the BOV Foundation and the Vice-Mayor of Siġġiewi, Mr Ryan Cachia.

In the evening during the three days of the marathon there will be live music on the main stage. On Friday evening from 9:00 pm to midnight, the band Zone 5 will be invited, on Saturday the band Kantera and on Sunday the Spiteri Lucas Band.

On Sunday morning during the marathon, the Archdiocese of Malta will be celebrating the Jubilee of Sport  with a fun run for all, that will start at 8.00am from near the San Niklaw Chapel in Siġġiewi and ends up at Id‑Dar tal‑Providenza carpark where all those taking part will be given a commemorative medal and will be invited to attend mass celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna at the Home’s chapel at 9.30am.

The marathon will be broadcast on the local TV channels.

The public can help by calling the numbers below, using BOV Mobile or PayPal and Revolut or donating online through these Home’s bank accounts.

€15         5170 2012

€25         5180 2013

€50         5190 2070

€100       5130 2044

Pledge Line: 2146 3686

BOV Mobile: 7932 4834

For more information about how one can give a donation one can visit the site: www.sabihlitaghti.org.