Bermudians should remember and celebrate the unique history of Cup Match, the social development and sports minister told MPs yesterday.

Michael Weeks highlighted the historical importance of the 116-year-old event and its roots in the 1834 abolition of slavery by the British Parliament. Mr Weeks said: “Bermuda can take pride in the fact that our Cup Match tradition has been sustained for well over a century and can take even greater pride in the knowledge that the legacy of Cup Match lives on in the hearts and minds of all Bermudians and represents a cultural coming together through sport.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the friendly societies for passionately being the torchbearer for this great cultural celebration.”

Cup Match’s informal start was in the wake of Emancipation when people held picnics and cricket games in celebration, organised by Friendly Societies and lodges. “Members of the friendly societies and lodges raised funds and in 1902 a silver cup trophy was introduced and played for annually.”

The first official Cup Match took place that year and St George’s claimed victory by seven wickets.

Two holidays were later introduced. Cup Match Day, which became Emancipation Day in 1999, and Somers Day, to commemorate the shipwreck of the Sea Venture and Sir George Somers in 1609.