Republic Bank’s Five For Fun Festival Ignites Passion In Young Talent

St. George’s, Grenada; June 26, 2025: The Roy St. John Playing Field roared to life on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as the second edition of the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Festival Final exploded in colour, energy and youthful cricketing brilliance.

Under cloudy skies and to the rhythm of cheering coaches and teammates, five spirited school teams from across the state battled for glory in a day that will be etched in the memories of the young players and spectators alike. This wasn’t just cricket – this was cricket with soul, style and purpose.

Designed around the pillars of fun, inclusion, and equality, the 'Five for Fun' programme is a joint initiative between Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI), with deep roots in the CWI’s Future Stars Programme and Republic Bank’s transformative Power to Make a Difference initiative. After a groundbreaking debut in 2024, this year’s edition proved once again that the Spice Isle is bursting with future cricketing stars.

Five of the six zonal finalists: River Sallee Government (St Patrick), St David’s R.C. (St David), Constantine Methodist (St George), Paraclete Government (St Andrew) and Mt. Pleasant Government (Carriacou) – lit up the ground, proudly displaying their newly acquired skill and team spirit.

In a festival filled with sizzling strokeplay, stunning catches and fierce, but friendly rivalries, it was Paraclete Government who claimed the coveted Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Festival Champion Trophy, while St. David’s R.C. settled for a well-earned second place. Paraclete Government was also adjudged Most Disciplined School throughout the tournament.

The excitement didn’t stop there – individual awards were handed to the: Best Female Batter (Zeniyah Jones: Mt. Pleasant Government), Best Male Batter (Kayson Trotman: Paraclete Government). Best Female Bowler was Shenis Phillip of River Sallee Government. Taivon Francois of Paraclete Government copped the awards for both Best Male Bowler and Best Fielder. For thrilling the onlookers with performances far beyond their years, the rising stars each received a trophy and a RightStart account compliments Republic Bank valued at EC$150.00. All 48 participants in this year’s tournament proudly received a Certificate of Participation and Republic Bank branded token.

Addressing the audience at the closing ceremony, Aesia Worme, Acting General Manager - Operations at Republic Bank shared: “At Republic Bank, we believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future. That’s why we are proud to continue supporting “Five for Fun” - a programme that brings the joy of cricket to primary school students across the country, regardless of background or ability.”

Also attending the festival was Mr. Denver Welsh, Curriculum Officer – Physical Education at the Ministry of Education and Mr. Norman Gilbert, President of the Grenada Cricket Association. Guiding the day’s logistics and enthusiasm with expert poise, was National ‘Five for Fun’ Coordinator, Mr. Raphael Croney.

From the spirited chants to the dazzling displays of cricket, the 2025 edition of Republic Bank’s ‘Five for Fun’ proved one thing: The future of cricket in Grenada is bright and brimming with talent. And Republic Bank is right there – backing every drive, catch, and celebration.