Inaugural Republic Bank “Five For Fun” Cricket Programme Concludes

St. George’s, Grenada; September 23, 2024: Republic Bank (Grenada) Limited and Cricket West Indies Inc. (CWI) are thrilled to announce the conclusion of the inaugural Republic Bank “Five for Fun” Cricket programme for children on Saturday, September 21st, at Progress Park, St. Andrew.

In a round-robin format featuring five overs per side, the winning teams from four of the six zones showcased their skills, ending in a final match between St. Patrick’s R.C. and St. Martin de Porres (Crochu) R.C schools. Due to the passage of hurricane Beryl and its devastating impact on Carriacou, their zonal winner, Dover Government School was unable to prepare and participate in the 2024 national final.

The spirited competition celebrated talent, teamwork, and the pure joy of cricket, with Crochu R.C. ultimately emerging as the overall champions. During the awards ceremony that followed, each top team in their respective zone received tokens, certificates and medals of participation. Crochu R.C. lifted the champion’s trophy amid cheers and applause. Dover Government School will be awarded tickets to the next West Indies international match played in Grenada.

Among the attendees at the final event were Republic Bank’s Managing Director, Mrs. Naomi De Allie, Minister for Youth and Sports, Mrs. Delma Thomas, CWI Director and President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board, Mr. Dwain Gill and Curriculum Officer for Physical Education in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Jerry Alexis.

Mrs. Kathleen Harris-Forrester, Manager – Retail Services, Grenville Cluster at Republic Bank congratulated the young cricketers on their bravery and skills display throughout the programme. She stated: “Republic Bank is incredibly proud of your efforts. We commend your coaches for providing you with this opportunity, as you aspire to one day play for the great West Indies team.”

K.J. Singh, Senior Project Officer, Schools Cricket for CWI said: “CWI is extremely proud to partner with Republic Bank on this critical grassroots cricket programme at the start of our “Future Stars” development pathway. Republic Bank ’Five for Fun’ is all about putting a bat and a ball into children’s hands for the first time and getting them to participate in our region’s favourite pastime. Primary school students, both male and female, benefited from the cricket programme aimed at fostering fun, teamwork, values, mental focus, tactical awareness and physical development over technical expertise. CWI also acknowledges the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Grenada in ensuring this inaugural edition of the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Programme was a success.”

The Republic Bank Five for Fun initiative was launched in Grenada on May 10th at the La Sagesse Playing, and reflects the Bank’s commitment, through its Power to Make a Difference brand, to promoting participation and developing future talent in the sport.