ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada - Republic Bank is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Cricket West Indies, for the RBL "Five for Fun" Cricket programme in primary schools across Grenada, marking the second consecutive year of this exciting grassroots cricket partnership.
First launched in 2024 with the support of the Grenada Cricket Association (GCA) and the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, "Five for Fun" is designed to be educational and entertaining, while providing students from 30 primary schools ages 8 to 12 with the opportunity to learn the basics of cricket in a fun and supportive environment.
By prioritizing fun and participation over competition, the programme introduces young players to the joys of the game, while fostering important life skills such as leadership, cooperation, and communication at an early age.
Norman Gilbert, President of the GCA, in addressing the attendees remarked: “As President of the Grenada Cricket Association, I am honoured to launch the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme - a transformative initiative designed to ignite a passion for cricket among our youth. This program reflects the core values of teamwork, discipline, and community that cricket embodies, while offering our young players an avenue to grow, learn, and dream big.”
“We are proud to partner with Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies in fostering the next generation of talent and ensuring that cricket remains a unifying force for Grenada's future. Together, let us celebrate this journey of fun, development, and opportunity for all."
Delivering the sponsor’s remarks, Dorian McPhail, Manager - Retail Services at Republic Bank’s Melville Street Branch said: “We believe not just in banking, but in creating opportunities for our youth to grow and thrive; and what better way to invest in that future, than by nurturing the talents, dreams, and ambitions of our children. This investment is made possible through our flagship Power to Make A Difference programme – a programme which for over 20 years, has left and continues to leave indelible marks on the lives of our youth, through initiatives like this.”
Among the attendees at the launch were Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Ms. Kim Frederick, Mr. Denva Welsh, Curriculum Officer - Physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Ms. Afy Fletcher, West Indies Women’s Senior Cricketer and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Winner 2016.
With reference to CWI’s preparation in Grenada and Carriacou for the RBL ‘Five for Fun’ programme launch, CWI Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe stated:
“We at CWI are proud to partner with Republic Bank on this very important and exciting sub-regional grassroots cricket initiative, as it is critical in supporting and building a strong foundation at the base of the regions cricket development pathway.”
“Our coaches are a key strategic pillar in ensuring that our objectives for this programme are delivered, with cricket sessions that are impactful, enjoyable, safe, progressive, player-centered, contemporary and mindful of the needs of each player.”
“As a main partner & stakeholder, CWI has continued its efforts to host pre-programme coaching workshops and refresher courses in Grenada and other host territories, to ensure that our coaches and related support staff have sufficient capacity not only in cricket but also child protection and safety, to effectively and efficiently teach and transfer the knowledge of the game in a manner that supports lifelong learning.”
Positioned as part of CWI’s Rising Stars programme and pathway, the "Five for Fun" Cricket is set to run in six zones across Grenada and Carriacou, with 2024’s ‘Five for Fun’ champions Crochu R.C. School slated to participate and defend their title in this year’s programme.
As part of the sponsorship, Republic Bank will also provide participants with branded tokens and certificates of participation, with the winning team of this year’s programme receiving gift vouchers for startup Republic Bank - RightStart accounts.
About Republic Bank: Republic Bank is a leading financial institution committed to supporting local communities through a wide range of initiatives, including youth development, through sport, education and culture. Five for Fun is an ideal fit for the Bank’s commitment to supporting youth development and helping children build confidence and team skills in a positive and enjoyable setting.
About Republic Bank “Five for Fun” Cricket: “5 for Fun” a new cricket format designed around the principles of fun, inclusion and equality. The ‘fun’ elements of the game are rooted in its speed, energy, and uncomplicated rules. Each 5 For Fun game involves five (5) players per team playing five (5) 6-ball overs each. Each batter faces an over from a single bowler. If a batter is ‘Out’, they will still face their allotted over, but 3 runs will be deducted from the team score. The ‘inclusion and equality’ elements ensure boys and girls of all abilities have the opportunity to play together as equals.
Republic Bank & Cricket: Five For Fun is the third pillar of Republic Bank’s region-wide investment into the Caribbean’s favourite sport. Republic Bank is also the Official Banking Partner of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and one of the tournament’s long-standing supporters. Alongside CPL, Republic Bank launched its Spirit of Caribbean Cricket platform in 2019. Spirit of Caribbean Cricket is a dig2ital media property whereby all the stakeholders of cricket ranging from fans to legends are invited to share their memories, anecdotes and opinions about the past, present and future of the game. Please see www.spiritofcaribbeancricket.com.
CWI Future Stars Programme: The Future Stars Programme covers all aspects of participation and development from primary school age through to our “Rising Stars” Programme. For players showing true potential, our “Rising Stars” community and school programmes for secondary age children is the next stage of player development. And for those who demonstrate the ability and passion to excel further, the Future Stars pathway extends into our U17s and U19s regional programmes, and then the opportunity to represent the West Indies at U19 level and then hopefully onto a full-time professional career.
About Cricket West Indies (CWI): CWI takes great pride and responsibility in growing, guiding and organising cricket throughout the English-speaking Caribbean countries which form the West Indies, represented internationally by the West Indies Men’s, Women’s and Age-Group teams. The West Indies international team is unique in cricket and in international sport. It is the only team in cricket that represents a group of nations, drawing on the strength, skills and passion of each nation to unite through cricket and take on the world. CWI is the governing body for all professional and amateur cricket in the region, from the West Indies international teams and home series to regional tournaments such as the West Indies Championship (4-Day), the One-Day CG United Super50 Cup and the Women’s T20 Blast.
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