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Gearing up for the 9th edition of the Puttinu Cares Football Marathon

Published: 03-05-2013 15:20
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It’s time for yet another edition of the Puttinu Cares Football Marathon. Another year flew by, and here we are, less than one month from the start of the 9th edition of the Football Marathon.    The 60 hour marathon of football will once again be taking place at the Marsa Sports Complex between Friday 3rd May and Sunday 5th May. Characteristically the Sports Complex is rife with activity and energy throughout this weekend. A play area is set up for children of all ages where they will find a wide spectrum of activities and games to enjoy. In addition, people visiting the marathon can enjoy non-stop live entertainment on the main stage. The marathon will be started with a kick-off by H.E President George Abela and a 15 year old girl.  Also the opening game will be between the women and men Malta national teams. The theme for this year’s edition of the Marathon pays tribute to what Puttinu Cares stands for. Rennie Zerafa explains that ‘Magħqudin u nibqgħu mexjin’ is a small way of thanking the volunteers that are the backbone of Puttinu Cares.’ This organisation has grown over the years, but its vision stays the same – the belief that it is possible to make the lives of families facing a very difficult time a bit better. Puttinu Cares was formed in 2002. The character, Puttinu is an angel created by Mt. Philip Farrugia Randon. He was sent from heaven to take care of Toninu, a Maltese boy. The first project of the group was to add colour to the dull ward in the old St. Luke’s Hospital. Then it worked hard to provide financial assistance to families of little cancer patients who had to travel to the UK for treatment, in most cases overnight. Since then it has grown to support cancer patients being treated at Rainbow Ward and abroad. Moreover, with the acquisition and rebuilding of another block of 12 apartments in Sutton last year it can now offer accommodation to more Maltese families who need to travel for treatment to UK. Nobody can testify to what Puttinu Cares is really doing more than the families who are willing to share their experiences during this football marathon. Puttinu Cares belongs to each and every one of us and we are humbled and overwhelmed by the generosity of the people. Our dream has now become the dream of each and everyone who contributes in any way by donating funds, participating in the marathon, organising fund raising events, and of course to the tireless volunteers. Over the past year, the Puttinu Cares Committee met many families who are facing big challenges. In order to extend its help further, Puttinu Cares is now opening new branches and recruiting volunteers to help individual cases. All this is possible only because Puttinu Cares has the backing of the Maltese people and their tireless generosity.  In the final reckoning one must say that the Malta Football Association has always been in the forefront in supporting initiatives for a worthy cause. The 9th edition of the Puttinu Cares Football Marathon is a case in point.