BOV Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza officially Opened

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On Thursday, 16 July 2026, Her Excellency Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, officially inaugurated the 16th edition of the BOV Volleyball Marathon in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. This year’s marathon is being held for the first time at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), Ta’ Qali (North Gate), and will come to an end on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at 11:00 p.m.

Forty players, selected from more than sixty applicants, began the challenge of playing volleyball continuously for 53 hours in support of a noble cause.

In her opening address, H.E. Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, President of Malta, said that this annual event brings together resilience, endurance and, above all, the generous spirit of the Maltese people. She went on to say that behind Providence lies the great heart of a people who know how to support and to love. The President added: “This is a manifestation that makes our people unique in the solidarity they extend to others. Id-Dar tal-Providenza depends greatly on solidarity and generosity.” She described Id-Dar tal-Providenza as a pillar of social welfare in our country, noting that it has always been at the forefront of ensuring that those in need of support are treated with dignity.

Prime Minister Robert Abela said that this Marathon is a witness to the strong spirit of volunteering and solidarity that distinguishes the people of Malta and Gozo. He thanked the athletes, volunteers, staff, and the management of Id-Dar tal-Providenza for their invaluable service, and announced a donation of €20,000 from the Social Causes Fund to further strengthen this important work.

Dr Abela noted that the Government is committed to strengthen the rights and protection of persons with disabilities and vulnerable adults. He referred to the Personal Autonomy Act, which reinforces every person’s right to make their own decisions with the necessary support, and the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Act, which will strengthen intervention in cases of abuse or mistreatment. These laws will become in force as from Friday, 17 July 2026.

He emphasized that the coming into force of these laws marks an important step towards a fairer and more inclusive society.

Mgr Martin Micallef, Director of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, emphasised that this 53-hour continuous volleyball marathon is a powerful example to how solidarity and sport can come together to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. He stressed that true solidarity begins by recognising the person first and offering the support needed for each individual to live with dignity. He added that Id-Dar tal-Providenza remains committed to further developing increasingly personalised, community-based services that respond to the needs and aspirations of the people it supports.

Mgr Micallef expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the 40 players, the volunteers, Bank of Valletta, the main sponsor, all the sponsors, the media, the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre (MFCC), and everyone who, in one way or another, contributed to making this marathon possible.

He concluded by appealing to the people of Malta and Gozo to continue supporting Id-Dar tal-Providenza through this marathon. The Home requires approximately €8 million annually to continue offering its service and live up to its mission.

The Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Valletta, Kenneth Farrugia, said, “Supporting Id-Dar tal-Providenza is a cause that is very close to our hearts. The BOV Volleyball Marathon is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a community comes together in solidarity for a worthy cause. We are proud to support this initiative through the BOV Foundation and to contribute towards the invaluable work carried out by Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Our contribution goes beyond financial support. Through our employee volunteering programme, our people regularly dedicate their time and energy to causes such as this, reflecting our belief that meaningful impact is created through both giving and active engagement in the communities we serve.”

Also present for the official inauguration were the Hon. Dr Michael Falzon, Minister for Social Policy and the Family; the Hon. Dr Miriam Dalli, Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour; the Hon. Dr Byron Camilleri, Minister for Education and Sport; the Hon. Dr Malcolm Paul Agius Galea, Minister for Culture, the Arts and National Heritage; the Hon. Graziella Galea, Shadow Minister for Inclusion, Hon. Graham Bencini, Shadow Minister for Opposition for Sport and Mr Kenneth Farrugia, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of Valletta, the Marathon’s principal sponsor.

The Marathon is being broadcasted live on all the main local TV stations.

Visitors to the Marathon at the MFCC can look forward to a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, with the new venue providing an excellent opportunity for the BOV Volleyball Marathon to reach new levels of success.

The Malta Arts Council is supporting the event and is working with the organisers to present a high-quality entertainment programme throughout the three evenings. Lara & The Jukeboys performed Thursday evening, Versatile Brass & Ensemble on Friday, while Saturday’s programme will culminate with Classic Rock Night featuring the Spiteri Lucas Band.

On Saturday at 6:30 a.m., a 5K charity run will start from the area beside the MFCC tent (North Entrance). Every participant will receive a specially designed commemorative medal. Registration is available at sabihlitaghti.org/5k.

On Saturday, from 12.00pm until 5:00 p.m., a DJ Takeover will feature several young DJs, including Miggy, Dodz, Izak, Riolo, Dom and Presko.

Throughout the Marathon there will also be a large Kids’ Area with attractions and activities for children, as well as a food court featuring Il-Forn tal-Għawdxi, Eeetwell and Frullado.

The NGO S.T.A.N.D., which works with young people with disabilities, will be exhibiting artwork created by its members at the entrance to the MFCC.

For further updates and information about the Marathon, visit sabihlitaghti.org.

The public can support Id-Dar tal-Providenza by making a donation through any of the following methods:

  • €10 – 51602011
  • €15 – 5170 2012
  • €25 – 5180 2013
  • €50 – 5190 2070
  • €100 – 5130 2044
  • Pledge Line: 2146 3686
  • BOV Mobile: 7932 4834