Digicel Bermuda announced its sponsorship of $25,000.00 to the Beyond Rugby Bermuda initiative and the establishment of the Digicel Bermuda Middle School Rugby League.
Beyond Rugby Bermuda is the Bermuda chapter of Beyond Sport, a global organization helping to develop projects that create positive social change through sport. Locally, Beyond Rugby Bermuda is a partnership between Family Centre and the Bermuda Rugby Football Union. It is intended to engage youth who are considered to be ‘at risk’ through guidance from nurturing adults, physical fitness, self-discipline and access to both academic and emotional support services.
John Layfield, Beyond Rugby Liaison, commented, “Digicel has been one of Beyond Rugby's biggest supporters in helping Island youth make good decisions, and this sponsorship continues our combined commitment to give these great young people better options.”
Noting the success of the first year of the Beyond Rugby Bermuda initiative, the organizers saw the potential value of hosting a structured league, allowing teams to play against one another regularly. This league would help players from diverse schools to know and respect each other in a safe environment.
"Digicel’s support will enable more young people across the island to play rugby,” stated Patrick Calow, Bermuda Rugby Football Union Development Officer. “This will not only allow for the development of better rugby players in Bermuda but we also hope it will create an environment where young people embrace the core values of rugby – 'Respect, Sportsmanship, Discipline, Teamwork and Enjoyment' – both on and off the field."
The Digicel Bermuda Middle School Rugby League comprises six middle school teams from the following schools: Dellwood Middle School, Warwick Academy, T. N. Tatem Middle School, Saltus Grammar School, Sandys Secondary Middle School, Whitney Institute Middle School and Somersfield Academy.
“I cannot stress this enough,” stated Digicel Bermuda CEO, Wayne Caines, “It is critical for our boys and young men to know one another, to play together, to develop friendships with each other. This is a key component in strengthening our community and Digicel is proud to be a part of this initiative.”
Teams will bond with one another over pizza after each game, enabling the children to form friendships across socioeconomic backgrounds. Transportation support will be provided to ensure players will get home safely after each game.
Martha Dismont, Family Centre Executive Director, stated, "Digicel has made it possible for the momentum of our Beyond Rugby Bermuda programme to begin reaching a broader community of youth. The Digicel Bermuda Middle School Rugby League will be an oasis of fun, support and strength for young people. It has the potential to unite youth and neighborhoods around a positive message and healthy, wholesome competition."
