Education
Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club President Recognizes Donation of 250 Cricket Kits by DP World for Community Development
Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club President praises donation of 250 cricket kits by DP World at Friendship Playing Ground. Initiative aims to support young talent and promote cricket in schools.
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Originally published by nationnews.com (opens in new tab)
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.
