2017 Puttinu Cares Marathon gets underway at Marsa – WATCH

The 60-hour Football and Volleyball Marathon, in aid of Puttinu Cares, kicked off on Friday morning at the Marsa Sports Grounds with the traditional football match. This year’s inauguration game was between the casts of two popular Maltese television series, Strada Stretta and Division 7. The kits of the two teams were provided by the Malta FA under its Football For Life Programme. The Malta FA will also be presenting a donation to Puttinu Cares during the 60-hour marathon which comes to an end on Sunday night. An enthusiastic atmosphere prevailed throughout this morning’s activities with children releasing balloons into the air to mark the start of this annual marathon. The symbolic kick-off was made by Dr Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport, and Yandrick Cassar, an 18-year-old goalkeeper who has survived a serious illness. Around 800 teams have registered to take part in this fund-raising marathon with all proceeds going towards Puttinu's London project. Matches will continue throughout the night and early morning. To book, visit http://footballmarathon.puttinucares.org. One can also send an e-mail on football@puttinucares.org, or phone 7964-7948 or 7970-7318.