Planet Math will partner with the Bermuda International Long Term Insurers and Reinsurers organisation tomorrow to celebrate Pi Day with the island’s primary school students.

Biltir said Planet Math has planned a fun day centred around the concept of pi, including a morning radio show, the distribution of savoury pies for lunch to every primary student, and a live webcast.

Planet Math is also using this opportunity to raise donations in support of its bursary funds, used to broaden the accessibility of educational support in mathematics.

On Tuesday morning, listeners can tune into Vibe 103 at 7.45am to hear Planet Math founder Sergio Pitcher and Matt McPhail of Biltir talk about pi and how the two organisations are working together to promote a love of mathematics among Bermuda’s schoolchildren.

At midday, primary students will have pie for lunch. Meat and vegetable pies made by Degraff’s (Birdie’s) will be distributed to schools across the island.

This will be followed by a live webcast, where Bermudian pi record holder Troy Ashby will recite the first 1,000 digits of pi live.

Taiyana Allen, a Biltir scholarship winner and Wilton Re actuarial analyst, will join Mr Ashby to talk about her journey through CedarBridge Academy, Bermuda College, and Georgia State University, to forge a career in Bermuda’s life reinsurance sector.

Mr Pitcher said: “I’ve always been fascinated with the number pi since I was young, and I’ve been thinking about something to do for Pi Day for many years.

“The pandemic prevented action for a while, but the idea always remained and finally we had the opportunity, and we went for it! We decided that this year we would provide pies for children in Bermuda.

“We’re going to use Bermuda’s pi champion Troy William Ashby to recite pi to 1,000 digits for all the children in Bermuda, and anyone else who wants to tune in, and we’re so excited to partner with Biltir who made this all a reality. We are so grateful for them sponsoring this event and to be sharing pie with all the kids.”

Ms Allen added: “I am excited to be able to speak to our future mathematicians on my journey into a heavily math dominated field.

“I think it is awesome that the students will be exposed to the importance of their math courses in a fun and interactive day!”

The public is invited to join the live 1.15pm webcast here: https://www.youtube.com/@planetmath9330 to hear Mr Ashby.

Planet Math’s Pi Day is supported by six Biltir member companies – Athene Life Re, Wilton Re, Athora, Legal & General, Pacific Life Re and Somerset Re – who donated $25,000 to support the celebration and to raise funds for Planet Math bursaries.

Mr Pitcher established Planet Math in 2016 to promote a love and appreciation of mathematics among young Bermudians.

The company offers a range of services including tutoring and maths camps. Its charity arm, the Fibonacci Foundation, supports educational bursaries and educational opportunities for Bermuda’s youth.

Biltir represents 56 life re/insurers and 21 associate members in Bermuda who provide life and annuity products and employ more than 1,000 people on the island.