TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOWLED OVER BY INAUGURAL REPUBLIC BANK ‘FIVE FOR FUN’ PROGRAMME FINALE

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO BOWLED OVER BY INAUGURAL REPUBLIC BANK ‘FIVE FOR FUN’ PROGRAMME FINALE

  • Longdenville Government Primary School beat St. Mary's Government Primary School to win Trinidad and Tobago's inaugural Five for Fun cricket tournament.
  • 80 primary schools participated across the twin-island republic, with 40 schools in the skill development program.
  • The Republic Bank-sponsored program focuses on developing both cricket and life skills like teamwork and discipline in young players.
National Republic Bank 'Five for Fun' Champions Longdenville Government pose for a photo with Mr. Azim Bassarath- CWI Vice President and TTCB President and Ms. Reena Gopaul Manager Group Brand Management of Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications team
National Republic Bank 'Five for Fun' Champions Longdenville Government pose for a photo with Mr. Azim Bassarath- CWI Vice President and TTCB President and Ms. Reena Gopaul Manager Group Brand Management of Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications team

COUVA, Trinidad – A thrilling chapter of grassroots cricket development in Trinidad and Tobago was written on Wednesday July 9, as the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme concluded its inaugural run in the twin-island republic with a Grand National Festival Final at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva.

In a fun-filled atmosphere charged with cheers, music, and energy, Longdenville Government Primary School of the Caroni Education District emerged victorious over St. Mary’s Government Primary School of South Eastern Education District, to lift the championship trophy after weeks of exciting zonal and district-level competition.

Launched successfully in St. Lucia in 2021, Republic Bank’s Five for Fun programme made its vibrant debut in Trinidad and Tobago this year, reaching hundreds of young cricketers across the nation.

With eighty primary schools participating, the format encouraged fun, inclusion, and team spirit, all while sharpening basic cricketing skills in a non-traditional, often indoor environment – a unique twist compared to previous editions held outdoors in other territories.

The skill development component of the programme was supported by teachers and SPORTT cricket coaches assigned to their cricket development unit and engaged forty primary schools enrolled in the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun Programme’.

SPORTT also conducted cricket coaching teacher training workshops across Trinidad and Tobago, setting the stage for the successful implementation of the programme through all phases.

The National Festival Finals brought together eight district champions for a day of quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the much-anticipated final clash.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Azim Bassarath, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Vice President of Cricket West Indies (CWI), praised the programme’s impact:

“For decades corporate companies have seen the value of investment in our children through the power of cricket, and very early in this address. I am grateful for this opportunity to thank our partners Republic Bank Limited, for their investment in cricket and our youth, not only here in Trinidad and Tobago, but also around the Caribbean region,” he commended.
“It is our fundamental belief that cricket must be a holistic development tool for our children. CWI and the TTCB have worked with Republic Bank to ensure that this grassroots cricket initiative delivers this experience for our children, as we widely collaborate with other national stakeholders such as the National Primary Schools League, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Sports and SPORTT, to deliver this unique and impactful cricket initiative.”
Longdenville Government Team Captain Lenuel Joseph collects the 1st place trophy from Mr. Azim Bassarath- CWI Vice President and TTCB President and Ms. Reena Gopaul Manager Group Brand Management of Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications team
Longdenville Government Team Captain Lenuel Joseph collects the 1st place trophy from Mr. Azim Bassarath- CWI Vice President and TTCB President and Ms. Reena Gopaul Manager Group Brand Management of Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications team

Karen Tom Yew, General Manager of Group Enterprise Risk Management at Republic Bank, reflected on the programme’s deeper purpose:

“From the pitches of Port of Spain to the beaches of Tobago, cricket is more than just a game. It’s how we connect, express ourselves, and share joy", she said. ​
“Whether they seek to explore a cricket career playing for the West Indies Cricket team or in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, or continue to hold it close as a hobby, the lessons learnt – resilience, discipline, and confidence – will serve them for life, wherever their journeys may lead.”
“This isn’t just cricket - it’s cricket with a purpose. A purpose rooted in inclusion, equality, and empowerment.”

Representing the breadth of Trinidad and Tobago were:

  • St. Mary’s Government (South Eastern)
  • Dayanand Memorial Vedic (St. Patrick)
  • Rosary Boys RC (Port of Spain & Environs)
  • Sangre Grande Hindu (North Eastern)
  • Rochard Douglas Presbyterian (Victoria)
  • Scarborough RC (Tobago)
  • Longdenville Government (Caroni)
  • Bamboo Government (St. George)

In addition to the overall championship title, pupils were recognized for their outstanding individual performances:

  • Analia Holder (Longdenville Government Primary School) – Best Batter
  • Lyndon Solomon (St. Mary’s Government Primary School) – Best Bowler
  • Josiah Miranda (Sangre Grande Hindu Primary School) – Best Fielder
  • Lemuel Joseph (Longdenville Government Primary School) – Finals MVP
  • Longdenville Government Primary School) – Spirit of the Game

Each participant received a Certificate of Participation, marking their role in a memorable sporting and educational experience.

Justin Latapy-George, representing the Ministry of Sport, encouraged the children to carry forward the lessons of teamwork and discipline into all aspects of life, while Judith Ann Robertson Daniel, Curriculum Coordinator at the Ministry of Education, emphasized the alignment of the programme with the nation’s physical education development goals.

Also present were KJ Singh, CWI’s Senior Project Officer, and Reena Gopaul, Manager of Group Brand Management of Republic Bank’s Marketing and Communications team, who lauded the seamless execution of the event and the enthusiastic support from teachers, parents, and community leaders.

Trinidad and Tobago becomes the third territory to wrap up the Five for Fun programme in 2025, joining St Lucia and Grenada. The final stops this season will be in Guyana and St. Kitts and Nevis, where excitement continues to build.

 

About Cricket West Indies

Cricket West Indies (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 Blaze.

 

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