On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Republic Bank (EC) Limited (RBEC) officially opened the second edition of its cricket initiative 'Five for Fans' at the RBEC branch in Nevis.
The event was attended by representatives from the St. Kitts Cricket Association, the Nevis Cricket Association, the Ministry of Education and Sports, as well as participants and coaches from the “Five for Fans'' program.
'Five for Fun' is an under-12 short format cricket competition designed for primary school boys and girls to build a strong foundation for the future of cricket. This program fosters a love of the game and provides young people with the opportunity to develop their potential. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between Republic Bank and Cricket West Indies (CWI) with support from the National Cricket Association and relevant ministries.
St. Kitts Cricket Association President Dennis Philip thanked Republic Bank and CWI for their partnership and support. He said: “Successful programs like this not only lead to improved cricketing skills, but also foster focus, planning and positive thinking. The path that young people should follow.”
Carlyle Powell, President of the Nevis Cricket Association, spoke passionately about the importance of women's participation and the joy they derive from being part of the programme. He also said the program has grown since its first year and is currently scheduled to include nine teams in Nevis alone.
Head of Sport, Jameel Claxton, referred to lessons learned in the area of sport and said: We value participation to keep children interested. I think Five for Fun fits that mold of not only captivating kids, but keeping them interested long-term. ”
Former Cricket West Indies president Ricky Skerritt praised Republic Bank's investment in cricket, saying he understood the bank's investment in the future and well-being of young people. Comparing Republic Bank's Five for Fun program to previous initiatives, he said: It gives them a competitive spirit, a sense of belonging, teamwork, and teaches them to be better organized and prepared. ”
In her remarks, Pamela Herbert Daniel, Country Manager for Saint Kitts and Nevis at Republic Bank, spoke of the importance of cricket to the people of the Caribbean and highlighted the bank's commitment to the growth and development of the sport. .
She said: “Republic Bank continues to support the development of the game in the region by providing funding and other resources to the game of cricket at various levels. As well as supporting the sport, we aim to promote the values of fair play, respect and teamwork that this sport represents.The Bank recognizes the value of sport and aims to develop it for future generations. This program is a great opportunity for anyone looking to pursue cricket as a career.
This grassroots youth cricket program, Five for Fun, is just one of the many initiatives the Bank is undertaking through its Corporate Social Responsibility department. Republic Bank is also the title sponsor and official Bank of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and boasts other initiatives such as an online portal for cricket content known as Spirit of Caribbean Cricket.
The 'Five for Fun' program will be expanded to all Republic Bank territories, with the program expanding to Grenada this year. This is his second time in the program in Saint Kitts and Nevis.