Sports steers young people away from violence and on to a healthy path, David Burt said yesterday.

The Premier explained that participating in sports and other activities has led to positive outcomes in the community and “gives people something to aspire to”.

He spoke after he and other ministers and MPs presented Somerset Cricket Club, hosts of this year’s Cup Match Classic, with a $50,000 cheque.

Mr Burt called Cup Match a holiday that “was taken by those who came before us who said they would commemorate that day [they were emancipated]”.

He believed their legacies could be honoured through being “vigilant, supportive and committed to breaking the cycle of violence” and encouraged Bermudians to “take an active role in creating a safer Bermuda”.

“Whether it is through community engagement, supporting local initiatives or looking out for one another, each of us must do our part,” the Premier added.

The comments came the same month that four people, including two children, were found dead inside an apartment at South Terrace in Pembroke, two men were killed near Scaur Hill, Sandys, and a woman was shot multiple times in Paget.

Richard Scott, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, said the cheque would help the organisation to fund the scaffolding needed for the cricket match.

He explained: “We have 240 individual plots that can accommodate close to 5,000 people during the event.

“The scaffolding is able to accommodate more of the general public to come and watch the match.”

Mr Scott felt that this year’s squad came with a perfect blend of young and experienced cricketers, and encouraged people to get involved with the club, located on Cricket Lane.

He said: “We are a club that is open to anyone who wishes to join and bring whatever their skill set is; we have evolved from being just a sports club into being more community-minded.”