Port of Spain, 27 October 2026– The curtains came down on the second annual Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday, October 23, with an exciting showcase of young cricketing talent at the National Cycling Velodrome in Balmain, Couva.
After a day filled with fun, enthusiasm and spirited competition, the Tobago contingent from Whim Anglican Primary School emerged as the new national champions, defeating Gasparillo Hindu Primary School in the final to claim the coveted title.
Republic Bank Five for Fun 2026 Champions Whim Anglican Primary pose with their winning trophy with David Robinson, General Manager, Group Treasury of Republic Bank and Azim Bassarath, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Vice President of Cricket West Indies.
The Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme is a collaborative initiative between Cricket West Indies (CWI) and Republic Bank Limited, aimed at introducing primary-school children to cricket while promoting teamwork, inclusion, sportsmanship and the development of fundamental skills. Although the programme has been established in the Caribbean for five years, having been previously rolled out in St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana and Barbados, 2026 marked its second annual staging in Trinidad and Tobago.
The national finals began with quarter-final action featuring eight schools that had secured their places by winning their respective education districts across Trinidad and Tobago, setting the stage for an exciting battle to determine the country's newest Five for Fun champions.
The quarterfinalists were Marac Baptist Primary School (South-Eastern Education District), Clarke Rochard Government Primary School (St. Patrick), Maria Regina Grade School (Port of Spain and Environs), Toco AC Primary School (North-Eastern), Gasparillo Hindu Primary School (Victoria), Whim Anglican Primary School (Tobago), Madras Government Primary School (Caroni) and Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School (St. George East).
At the closing ceremony, all eight participating schools received certificates in recognition of their participation in the national tournament.
The runners-up, Gasparillo Hindu Primary School, were presented with medals and a trophy by Mr. Altaf Baksh, 1st Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Cricket West Indies Director. The victorious Whim Anglican Primary School received their championship medals from Mr. Azim Bassarath – President Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and Vice President Cricket West Indies and trophy from David Robinson, General Manager, Group Treasury of Republic Bank Limited.
Individual performances were also recognized, with awards presented to the following outstanding participants:
Best Batter: Ryaln Mahabir – Gasparillo Hindu Primary School
Best Bowler: Hailey Assing – Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School
Most Valuable Player: Hailey Assing – Tunapuna Presbyterian Primary School
The Spirit of the Games Award, which recognizes exemplary support, teamwork and sportsmanship, was presented to Gasparillo Hindu Primary School.
As the programme drew to a close, representatives of the key stakeholders reflected on the initiative's impact and its role in nurturing the next generation of cricketers and well-rounded young citizens.
First to address the gathering was Darren Lee Him, President of the National Primary Schools Cricket League, who highlighted the importance of giving pupils in Trinidad and Tobago, and the wider Caribbean, the right start through opportunities such as Five for Fun.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun programme continues to provide an important platform for introducing primary school students to cricket while nurturing teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship. The National Primary Schools Cricket League is proud to play a key role in supporting the implementation of this initiative, which continues to expand opportunities for young boys and girls to develop their cricketing abilities. Through the collaboration of our partners, schools and coaches, we are helping to build a stronger foundation for primary school cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and inspiring the next generation to embrace the game.”
Mr. Vinood Maharaj, representing SPORTT, commended Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank Limited for their commitment to the programme and encouraged the pupils to appreciate the value of the partnership and the opportunities it creates.
“SPORTT remains committed to supporting the Republic Bank Five for Fun programme through the provision of cricket coaches in selected primary schools and the continued delivery of coaching sessions that introduce children to the fundamentals of the game. Our involvement goes beyond teaching cricketing skills; it is about creating opportunities for children to participate in structured sporting activities, develop confidence, improve their physical fitness and learn important values such as teamwork, discipline and respect. We are pleased to contribute to an initiative that is strengthening school and community sport while helping to build a sustainable pathway for cricket development in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Representing the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ramesh Maharaj – Curriculum Officer, Physical Education and Sport underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between academic development and participation in sport.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun programme demonstrates the value of collaboration in advancing physical education and sport within our schools. Through this initiative, we are engaging schools and students across all eight educational districts of Trinidad and Tobago ensuring that children from diverse communities have opportunities to experience and participate in cricket. This reach is particularly important as we continue to promote physical literacy, active lifestyles and the holistic development of our students. By integrating sporting opportunities with the school environment, we are helping children develop essential life skills, build positive relationships and discover their potential both on and off the field.”
Speaking on behalf of the host organization, Altaf Baksh, First Vice President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and a Director of Cricket West Indies, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders in advancing cricket and strengthening its future across the region.
“The Republic Bank Five for Fun programme represents a significant investment in the future of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider West Indies. By introducing children to the game at the primary school level, we are creating a strong foundation for participation, skill development and talent identification from an early age. Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that both boys and girls have meaningful opportunities to learn, compete and grow through cricket. The continued partnership between Cricket West Indies, the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Republic Bank, the Ministry of Education, SPORTT and our school cricket stakeholders is essential to strengthening the development pathway and ensuring that cricket remains accessible to the next generation.”
Closing the stakeholder remarks was David Robinson, General Manager, Group Treasury of Republic Bank Limited, who expressed the bank's appreciation for being able to deliver another successful platform for young people to develop their skills, build confidence and potentially become the next generation of great West Indies cricketers.
“Through the Republic Bank Five for Fun programme, young boys and girls are given the opportunity to learn the game, build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the valuable life lessons that sport teaches us: teamwork, discipline, resilience, and respect. This effort is made possible by our Power to Make a Difference programme and is a testament to our belief in the power of sport to inspire, unite, and empower young people to discover their potential and pursue their dreams.”
The continued growth of the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme in Trinidad and Tobago was evident in the increased participation this year. Following its inaugural staging in 2025, which attracted 80 primary schools, the programme expanded to 100 schools in 2026, a significant achievement in just its second year in the country.
The growth reinforces the shared commitment of Republic Bank Limited and Cricket West Indies to grassroots cricket, ensuring more children can experience the game, develop essential life skills and embrace the values of teamwork, inclusion and fair play.
With a new national champion crowned and participation continuing to rise, the Republic Bank Five for Fun Cricket Programme is building a stronger foundation for the future of cricket in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.
