CASTRIES, St. Lucia - Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Republic Bank have successfully launched another edition of the Republic Bank Five for Fun cricket development programme in St. Lucia, in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education and the St Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA).

The launch which took place on 18 May at the Republic Bank Limited Castries branch, opened the second season of the programme on the island, giving primary school aged children access to this unique 5-over, 5-player all-inclusive format of the game.

St. Lucia was successful in piloting the first edition of the programme designed to generate interest and participation in cricket, formed around the principles of fun, inclusion and equality. Both boys and girls will have the opportunity to play as equals in a fun and safe environment, having access to cricket equipment and learning the fundamentals of the sport from qualified age-group coaches.

Mrs Fidela Haynes, General Manager Business and Retail Banking for Republic Bank (EC) Limited, said: “I believe that Five for Fun offers a unique opportunity for the communities to come together and engage in a healthy and fun-filled activity. Cricket is a sport that holds much significance in the Caribbean culture – it represents a shared cultural heritage, and thus, serves as a significant source of national pride and identity for us. The Bank recognizes the value of the sport and is committed to supporting its development for future generations. Five for Fun cricket will be key in allowing our children the opportunity to build fundamental life skills, with the possibility of continuing their cricket craft as a career, which is something important and tangible.”