Budding cricketers in Bermuda’s Primary and Middle Schools are set to benefit from the donation of new equipment.

Bats, balls, wickets and clothing have been donated to the island courtesy of a partnership between the Governor’s Office, Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, Ministry of Education and the African Caribbean Engagement Programme,

The Ace Programme, which became an independent charity in October 2020 and has now expanded into three cities (London, Birmingham and Bristol) in England, are aiming to buck the trend of less than one per cent of people from the African Caribbean community playing cricket by engaging with young people, nurturing their talent, and reigniting their passion for the game.

“The initiative came about from the Governor’s office as the Governor has a connection to the United Kingdom with the ACE programme charity,” said Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport.

“They sent some equipment to Bermuda and through the partnership with the Governor’s office and the Department of Youth, Culture and Sport, we had to decide as to what we would do with the equipment and how it would best be used.

“In those discussions we felt the best use was Primary and Middle Schools because what better place than in schools. It is in the schools that they have outdated equipment and so that is why we thought they would be the best use for this initiative.

“One of the young men here today is the son of one of the senior players who previously played in the World Cup for Bermuda, so if we are going to get back to those heights, this is the generation we have to start with.

“I’m delighted to be part of this initiative because I remember when I was their age, we had some similar equipment to play quick cricket and so things are coming full circle. I’m glad to be a part of that and grateful to the Governor’s office.”