Today is the last day of the marathon held in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza. Players who have volunteered their time and efforts towards this 53-hour fundraising event share their thoughts...

Silvan Gauci, 38, technical director, has been taking part since 1985.

I consider myself as a veteran of the marathon. The selection process may seem cruel. We start off with 78 players, with only 40 making the final cut. We need to ensure that we have committed people who can keep up with the gruelling pace.

 

 

Andrew Mangion, 36, has been participating since 1999.

This is the one good deed I do every year. This home always had a special place in our family, so participating comes natural to me.

I am lucky becuse my work schedule is flexible. I have a lot of support from my wife, who complains about the long hours, but then, year on year, she ends up submitting my application herself.

It’s important to keep on helping so that the home continues to make a difference in the lives of its residents.

Couple Claire and Silvan Scerri, both 40. Claire has been participating since 1992, while Silvan has returned this year after 23 years.

This experience is part of who I am. I keep coming back year after year. The training period was the most difficult. As a mother of two, with the training coinciding with the children’s exam period, it wasn’t easy. Participating as a couple was a more demanding challenge for us as a family.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza has been living up to its name, making a huge difference in its residents’ lives for the past 50 years. With everyone’s help, however small, it may continue with its mission.

I met my wife during the Kerygma Volleyball Marathon over 20 years ago. I always wanted to return. It was a juggling game for us, challenging but worth it.

Nello Calleja, 43, has been participating since 2009, while his son Andrea, 15, is taking part for the first time.

My father has been involved in the marathon for years, so I’ve always been familiar with the event.

I had just finished school when the training started, so the timing was perfect. The experience so far has given me a confidence boost. and it’s great to know that our efforts are yielding donations towards the home.

Nello: I was technical director of the first edition. Getting the marathon back together after all those years was an experience I will never forget. I was absent for a couple of years until I returned as a player last year. This year it was special because I returned with my wife and son.

The home is part of who I am. I believe it is genuine and that it has made a huge difference in the mentality of our society.

Mariana Zammit Munro, 17, with her father Leonard, participating for the first time.

My father is also taking part. He is my coach, so in a way it is going to be a joint venture. I finished my A levels so time was not an issue.

The marathon is not a competition. All the players are one big team. It is strange when you are used to playing to win.

Volleyball is one of the best sports because it teaches you a lot in terms of teamwork. Therefore, I’m really glad that this is a volleyball marathon... and for a good cause.

Denise Said Hollier, 31, participating for the second year.

I love playing volleyball, though I only play the sport for this marathon. Other than that, I am a basketball player in the MBA League. I believe there are instances where it takes more effort to give time than money. This event is a case in point.

With two children aged two and five and working full time, the training regime requires a lot of planning and support from family and friends.

Id-Dar tal-Providenza is special. Though a lot has been done, there is still room for more awareness about living with lifetime disability, and the marathon helps to open a window on this issue.

Viky Sebok, 25, her first year.

I am Hungarian. I arrived in Malta last year and got to know about the marathon. I really loved what it represented and wanted to be part of it. I train straight after work. However, I love the game and the marathon, so for me it is not a burden at all.

When I started training, I only knew a couple of players. However, there was a great atmosphere from the first day, so it was easy to make friends. I feel like I have known them forever, and there is always someone at hand ready to translate whenever I need help.

The experience is amazing – the way the Maltese unite for a cause. It is as if the whole island becomes one family, trying to support one another.

Chris Croker, 29, participating for the second time.

I was introduced to this marathon when I was only 11. My cousin participated in the Kerygma Volleyball Marathon. I loved the atmosphere and wanted to be part of it. I participated since 2002. Then two years ago, I participated as a referee and got hooked.

There is an element of commitment, but once you sign up, you have to give it your all.

The selection process is tough, but it is part of the event and is ultimately very important for the success of the marathon. Still, there is a good atmosphere among all involved.

The marathon becomes worth it once you get to know the residents. One resident last year supported us for the whole 53 hours. That gave us the boost we needed to go on. The players have the strength to go on, but the residents need our support. It is what binds us together.