BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Oct 26, CMC – St. Cyprian’s Boys’ Primary School etched its name in the history books last Tuesday when they were crowned champions of the inaugural Republic Bank Five for Fun Primary School Cricket tournament in Barbados.
The historic championship, held at Mapp Hill Cricket Ground in Dash Valley, St George, brought together nine zonal winners, with St. Cyprian’s emerging triumphant to claim the island’s first national title in the grassroots cricket initiative.
Following an impressive tournament, Liam Lowe of St Cyprian’s took home the awards for Best Batter, Best Bowler, Best Fielder and Most Valuable Player.
Meanwhile, the coveted Spirit of the Game award went to Gordon Greenidge Primary School for demonstrating the values of sportsmanship, respect and fair play that underpin the programme.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun Primary School Cricket Programme continues to play an important role in strengthening the foundation of cricket in Barbados by creating opportunities for young boys and girls to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy the game,"
Members of the championship-winning team received BBD $150 each deposited into their RightStart accounts, while members of runners-up St Albans Primary received BBD $100 each.
At the conclusion of the competition, all nine zonal winners were presented with Certificates of Participation in recognition of their achievements and involvement in the inaugural tournament.
President of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Calvin Hope said the programme played an instrumental role in introducing the sport to children at an early age.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun Primary School Cricket Programme continues to play an important role in strengthening the foundation of cricket in Barbados by creating opportunities for young boys and girls to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy the game,” Hope said.
The programme was launched in Barbados in May, attracting participation from 39 primary schools across the island.
Barbados became the sixth Caribbean territory to host the Republic Bank Five for Fun initiative, joining St Lucia, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
CMC rb/26