𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐒 𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐂𝐏𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐊𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋𝐘𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊-𝐓𝐎-𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐋 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐄
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), in collaboration with the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), hosted its CPL SchoolYard Back-to-School Programme on Tuesday 1 September at the Queen’s Park Oval, combining cricket, education and youth development as students prepare for the new school term.
The Honourable Phillip Watts, Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, was invited to participate in the initiative, which provided 28 children, ages eight to 11, with a memorable opportunity to meet and interact with TKR players Jyd Goolie, Terrance Hinds and Akeal Hosein.
The children took part in a series of practical cricket drills led by the players, promoting teamwork, discipline, confidence and an appreciation for the sport. Minister Watts joined the activities, engaging with the young participants and encouraging them to embrace both sporting and educational opportunities.
As part of the programme, each child received a backpack filled with essential back-to-school supplies, along with a voucher to assist with the purchase of additional school items. The vouchers were presented by Karissa Bissoon, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs at bp Trinidad and Tobago (bpTT), a valued sponsor of the Trinbago Knight Riders.
In addressing the students, Minister Watts encouraged them to approach the new academic term with purpose, discipline and confidence.
“As you begin the new school term, remember that success is built through discipline, commitment and belief in your own potential. Whether you are in the classroom, on the cricket field or pursuing any other dream, give of your best, support one another and never be afraid to work hard for what you want to achieve,” Minister Watts said.
CPL Project Development Manager Jason Williams said the initiative forms part of CPL’s ongoing commitment to supporting the holistic development of young people across the region.
“The CPL SchoolYard Back-to-School Initiative is our way of demonstrating that cricket, education and grassroots development go hand in hand,” Williams stated.
The CPL SchoolYard Back-to-School Programme reflects the shared commitment of CPL, TKR and bpTT to investing in young people beyond the boundary ropes, using sport as a platform to inspire achievement, encourage positive values and provide meaningful support for students and their families as they begin the new school year.
