<i>Oħloq Tbissima</i> marathon

The eighth edition of the 60-hour live Oħloq Tbissima marathon will be held from Friday at noon to midnight next Sunday at St Joseph Home, St Venera.

President George Abela, his wife Margaret and Archbishop Paul Cremona will be inaugurating this year's marathon. On Saturday morning at 10.15 a.m., Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat will be visiting the marathon. They will be joined by MPs.

Among popular TV personalities taking part are Claire Agius Ordway, Moira Delia, Joseph Chetcuti, Peppi Azzopardi, Carlo Borg Bonaci, Stephanie Spiteri, Josef Bonello, Pauline Agius, Ryan Borg, Christine Haber, Ruth Frendo, Andrea Cassar, Claire Agius, Jean Claude Micallef and Hector Bruno.

The marathon will be packed with activity, offering a varied programme of song and dance, games and entertainment, Mass, prayer, discussions and links with missionaries abroad. The programme also includes a police dog show; abseiling by the Civil Protection Department; a 'childrens corner' with magic, dance and choirs; the Oħloq Tbissima Song Festival; and a variety show every evening.

The marathon will be broadcast in its entirety on Education 22, with various times of transmission on Net, One, Favourite Channel and Calypso TV.

The marathon aims to raise funds to support various missionary projects being undertaken by members of the Missionary Society of St Paul, both locally and abroad in Peru, Pakistan and the Philippines.

People who wish to donate to the cause are asked to call 5004 9853 to give €7, 5003 6910 to give €10, 5004 9855 to give €12, and 5004 9850 to give €23. Send an SMS to 5061 8099 to donate €4.66.