Roland Butcher, President of the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club, commended the donation of 250 cricket kits on Saturday morning, describing it as “a small step towards social change” in Barbados.
The presentation, held at the Friendship Playing Ground—home of the Yorkshire Cricket Club—was attended by The Most Honourable Stedson ‘Red Plastic Bag’ Wiltshire, Government Senator Gregory Nicolls, and Pedro Greaves, Chairman of the Barbados Cricket Association Youth Committee.
The donation of cricket kits was made courtesy of DP World, the official sponsor of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
As part of DP World’s “Beyond Boundaries” initiative, 10 cricket kits were donated for every team that scored 100 runs during a World Cup match. The kits will be distributed to primary and secondary schools, along with academies, in a move aimed at fostering young cricketing talent on the island.
In his address, Butcher highlighted the significance of the initiative, emphasising how it allows schools to focus on cricket and promote healthier lifestyles without the financial strain that typically accompanies the sport. Cricket, he explained, is deeply ingrained in Barbadian culture, but the costs of equipment make it inaccessible for many.
“Cricket is a very expensive game in Barbados. Parents often shoulder the heavy costs of gear—bats, pads, gloves, and helmets—which is quite different from sports like football, where all you need is a ball. That’s why initiatives like this one are so crucial,” remarked the former England international cricketer.
He continued, “Thanks to DP World and Bat for a Chance, sponsors of the Barbados Girls’ Cricket Club, we’ve been able to distribute 250 cricket kits through DP World’s Beyond Boundaries initiative. Each school receives five kits, including bats, pads, gloves, helmets, and abdominal guards. When schools are under pressure, sport often takes a back seat. But with this initiative, we’re alleviating that burden, ensuring that boys and girls can continue to play cricket despite financial hurdles. The broader impact is that more students will have the opportunity to play. Even if they don’t become stars, they’ll enjoy the game, improve their fitness, and engage with a key part of Caribbean culture—cricket.”
Senator Nicolls, who received kits on behalf of Sharon Primary, Holy Innocents Primary, and Hillaby Turners Primary, expressed his gratitude for this legacy contribution from the summer’s Men’s World Cup, hoping that it would greatly benefit the schools in his area.
“I’ve collected donations on behalf of three primary schools in St. Thomas, where I’m from, to ensure they benefit from these contributions from DP International,” Nicolls said. “In discussions with the coach at Leicester Borough School, I expressed hope that we can revive cricket at the primary school level in St. Thomas. Over recent years, not all schools have participated in the Herman Griffith Competition. Cricket is a global sport, and there’s no reason why the entire country shouldn’t benefit. This initiative ensures that these schools in St. Thomas receive cricket gear, a benefit from the World Cup.”
Ulric Batson, who collected gear on behalf of several recipients, emphasised the timeliness of this donation for those passionate about cricket but unable to afford the necessary equipment.
“It’s a pleasure to be here receiving this gear. Today is a happy day because sourcing equipment for juniors at this age can be very expensive for families,” said Batson, coach of St. Catherine Juniors. “We know there are families in the country less fortunate than others, so for those struggling to afford equipment, this gear is a huge help. I’m pleased to accept it on behalf of the school and the club, and I assure you that the young people will make good use of it.”
The following schools and cricket academies benefited from the initiative: Franklyn Stephenson Academy, Sharon Primary School, Holy Innocents Primary School, Hillaby Turners Primary School, St. Catherine’s Primary School, Coleridge and Parry School, Yorkshire Cricket Club, St. Matthew’s Primary School, Bayleys Primary School, Eden Lodge Primary School, Grazettes Primary School, St. Gabriel’s Primary School, Hilda Skeene Primary School, St. Catherine’s Juniors, Eagle Hall Primary School, Lester Vaughan School, Hilltop Primary School, St. Giles Primary School, Alfalah School, Gordon Greenidge School, St. Paul’s Primary, and St. Cyprian’s Primary. (JC)
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