News Release                Contacts: Susan McGrath-Smith

For Immediate Release                                 298-6126,  smsmith@belco.bhl.bm     

 

Fiona Holmes

292-8958,  fholmes@cricket.bm

 

                                   

2008 Annual BELCO Cup Plans Announced

 

Hamilton, Bermuda, Thursday, 29 May 2008 - Today Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) and the Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) jointly announced plans for the 2008 BELCO Cup, which takes place June 7-8, with play starting at 11:00 AM each day.

 

The line-up for the Saturday semi-finals (admission FREE), pitting the top four teams from the 2007 season against one another is: 

 

•    At Somerset Cricket Club - St David's vs St. George's
•   At St. David's County Cricket Club - Southampton Rangers vs Young Men's Social Club

 On Sunday, the winners compete in the final (admission $5.00 for adults, 18 or older) at St. David's County Cricket Club.  This year, for the first time, fans will be treated to entertainment during the half-hour, between-innings break, which starts at 2:30 PM.

 

Each year, BCB, BELCO and St. David's County Cricket Club team up to donate proceeds from the final to a charity.  'No Child Goes Without' has been selected as the 2008 recipient of all entry fees, plus proceeds from the sale of $10.00 children's T-shirts, and any additional donations that fans may wish to make.  The Bermuda Masters Cricket Team have volunteered to work on the gate, as well as to sell children's T-shirts and collect donations, alongside BELCO volunteers.  'No Child Goes Without', founded by Ms Grejai Smith, provides free lunches to needy students, and this summer will help to send young children to camp.

 

Vince Ingham, BELCO President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are proud that the BELCO Cup has become one of Bermuda's summertime traditions, enjoyed both by those who come out to see the match and those who listen to the play-by-play on the radio.  We are equally pleased that the community benefits from the event through the support of a different charitable organization each year. 'No Child Goes Without' is indeed a valuable, grassroots charity, helping to develop healthy Bermudian children by ensuring that they are nourished and able to learn."

 

Reginald Pearman, President of the Bermuda Cricket Board, stated, "The BELCO Cup has grown in stature over the past six years and is a major part of Bermuda's domestic season. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recognised the event and has included it in the Global ICC Associate fixture schedule. I am very proud to say that each year the Board and BELCO have worked together to raise money in support of a deserving cause. This year President of the Umpire's Association, Mr. Walisford Manders has announced that the Umpires will donate their fees to the charity, 'No Child Goes Without'. As done previously, the Board will give the proceeds from the gate. I would like to take this time to thank all those involved in organising the BELCO Cup, ensuring it remains such a successful and worthwhile local event."

 

Fans are encouraged to come out to Somerset and St. David's to enjoy a great weekend of cricket at the BELCO Cup, and to listen to 'The Voice of Summer' Jim Woolridge's radio commentary on DeFontes Broadcasting 1450 AM Gold on June 7 and 8.