In a thrilling development for cricket enthusiasts and communities across Jamaica, registration has officially opened for the much-anticipated SDC National Community T/20 Cricket Competition. This year’s competition promises to be even more exciting as it marks the seventeenth season of the annual event.
The cricket extravaganza, scheduled to run from March to August 2024, plays a pivotal role in fostering community development under the theme “Building Communities…Building Jamaica.”
With the opening of registration, teams from across the island are encouraged to participate in this grand celebration of cricket and community spirit. The competition provides a unique platform for promoting and supporting small businesses at the community level, increasing youth inclusion, and encouraging community participation.
The objectives of the SDC Cal’s National Community T/20 Cricket Competition are broad and impactful. They include creating opportunities for social intervention strategies, enhancing the organizational capacities of local communities, and promoting positive family values in an entertaining atmosphere.
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.
During the parish phase, champions are rewarded with cash prizes, with the top team receiving one hundred and twenty thousand dollars ($120,000), the first runner-up sixty thousand dollars ($60,000), and the second runner-up thirty thousand dollars ($30,000).
The stakes get even higher during the national phase, with the first-place team securing a substantial cash prize of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000). Other sectional prizes include seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000) for the second-place winner, three hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($325,000) for the third-place winner, and one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars ($175,000) for the fourth-place winner.
Last year’s victors, the Fairfield Cricket Team from Manchester, made history by clinching the title. Teams that emerge victorious in this year’s competition will also have the opportunity to give back to their communities. The competition rules stipulate that winning teams must donate 15% of their prize money to a project addressing a need identified in their community.
Now a permanent extension of the cricket fever, the SDC National Community Cricket Competition will continue the Masters & Female T/10 Tournament. This exciting addition opens the door for a broader spectrum of players to showcase their talent and be part of this remarkable sporting event.
The closing date for registration for both competitions is set for Thursday, February 29, 2024, at 12:00 noon. Registration forms and all other relevant documents should be completed and delivered to an SDC Parish Office on or before the close of the registration period. Registration form and other documents are accessible at all SDC Parish Office or at https://sdc.gov.jm/sdccricket-2024/.
Cricket enthusiasts and communities are urged to seize this opportunity to be part of an event that not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also contributes significantly to community development across Jamaica. Stay tuned for updates as the island gears up for a summer filled with cricketing excellence and community pride!
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