Some 136 T/20 and 23 T/10 Masters cricket teams, representing approximately 200 communities across the island, are participating in the 2024 Social Development Commission (SDC) National Community Cricket Competition.
The competition, which is in its 17th season, began on March 22 and will run until August 11, with the grand finals for both segments set for Chedwin Park in St. Catherine.
The competition is being held under the theme: ‘Building Communities… Building Jamaica’.
Public Relations Manager, SDC, Mandel McKulsky, told JIS News that this year’s competition promises unparalleled excitement and community engagement.
“The competition is divided into two phases – the parish phase and the national phase. The parish phase consists of rounds, such as Rally, Elimination, Round Robin, Knock-Out, and Parish Finals, while the national phase includes Round Robin, Knock-Out, and National Finals,” said Mr. McKulsky.
He further noted that 268 matches are scheduled for the season and will be held across 54 venues islandwide.
The Public Relations Manager pointed out that cash prizes await the champions at each phase, with the national phase offering substantial rewards, including a first-place prize of $1.5 million.
“Winners are also required to give back to their communities by donating 15 per cent of their prize money to community projects,” he added.
The SDC National Community Cricket Competition aims to foster community development through various means, such as social intervention strategies, promoting family values, supporting small businesses, and encouraging youth inclusion and community participation.
The next matches are scheduled for Sunday, May 5 in all parishes, with special featured matches at Chedwin Park, St. Catherine, starting at 10:00 a.m. between Bridgeport Super-sixers and Old Harbour Cricket Club, the nine-time St. Catherine Parish Champions, followed by St. John’s East vs. Innswood Hartlands Crocodiles at 2:00 p.m.
Cricket enthusiasts and communities are encouraged to support the SDC initiative that not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also contributes significantly to community development across Jamaica.
Among the sponsors of the SDC National Community Cricket Competition are the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Courts Ready Cash, LASCO Financial Services Limited, Wray & Nephew, HEART/NSTA Trust, IRIE FM, National Housing Trust and Jamaica Cricket Association.