SPORTS AGAINST VOLIENT ENGERY Archives

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SCORE BIG AT THE REPUBLIC BANK CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

by heroes_iadmin | Sep 12, 2023 | News

CHILDREN AND YOUTH SCORE BIG AT THE REPUBLIC BANK CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE

9^th September, 2023 – Tarouba: Five hundred (500) young people are all in for the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) thanks to Bank’s Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) and The Heroes Foundation. Filling the stands at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy with youthful excitement, energy, and rhythm, young people from fourteen (14) secondary schools, community groups, and children’s homes united in their shared curiosity and passion for cricket.

Championed by the Heroes Foundation, this initiative is designed to expose children and youth to experiences beyond their regular environment, while fostering relationship-building and a sense of community within a fun and safe space. The Heroes Foundation empowers children and youth to find the hero within themselves to overcome life’s challenges and collaboratively enhance their communities and country. They achieve this through a blend of long-term development and mentorship programmes, facilitating access to life and technical skills development opportunities, and empowering youth to spearhead education and behaviour change projects in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Brian Lara with young cricket fans at the SAVE launch with the Heroes Foundation

Heroes Foundation particiants at the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

Lawrence Arjoon, CEO of The Heroes Foundation, shared his thoughts on the impact of this collaboration:

“Many of the young people joining us this weekend may not have had the chance to experience international events like the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League on their own. For some, this is their very first major event outside their immediate community. We are deeply grateful when partners such as Republic Bank and CPL recognise the immense value and lasting impact such opportunities have on the lives of our young generation.”

Arjoon further elaborated on the event’s significance, stating,

“Bringing together diverse groups and individuals with whom we work allows them to uncover commonalities and shared interests while fostering national pride and unity. These CPL games offer them a platform to celebrate, share, and learn together while establishing connections for future collaborations through our programmes, youth-led projects, and their personal interests. This weekend is all about enabling cricket-loving youth from across our nation to witness the potential that can be unlocked in the sport through perseverance, commitment, and dedication. It also provides them with a glimpse into the array of skills and talents required to support grand events like this, from officials and medical personnel to ground support, creative performers, and professionals in hospitality, media, logistics, security, and many other important functions they see. Together, we are inspiring young minds to dream big and appreciate the significance of teamwork, professionalism, and kindness in every facet of life.”

Hard at work – Brian Lara and Heroes Foundation CEO at the SAVE launch

Reena Panchorie (Republic Bank), Lawrence Arjoon (Heroes) and participants at the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

Reena Gopaul, Manager, Group Brand Management, Group Marketing and Communications at Republic Bank, offered insight into the collaboration, saying,,

“Given our substantial investment in the future of cricket as the Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League and our flagship Power to Make A Difference corporate social responsibility initiative, it was only natural that we marry the two to create an unforgettable and impactful experience for these children. This partnership with the Heroes Foundation is just one of the many ways in which we aim to foster youth development and enrichment through sport via our PMAD programme”.

Republic Bank PMAD and The Heroes Foundation are proud to be driving positive youth engagement and grateful for the partners helping to share brighter futures for the Caribbean through the power of sports and community.

OUR PARTICIPANTS

D Eastern Cricket Academy
Diego Martin North Secondary School
El Dorado Police Youth Club
Heroes Generation to Generation Council
Marabella North Secondary School
Mayaro Past Student’s Association
Mayaro Secondary School
Sangre Grande Development Foundation

National Queens with children at the Brian Lara and Heroes Foundation SAVE launch

Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago with Heroes participants at the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

Shockers Sports Club, Guayaguayare
Siparia Deltones
Siparia Police Youth Club
Dominic’s Children’s Home
James Police Youth Club
The Heroes Foundation Child Friendly Spaces
WHYFarm

Stephon Flemine with Heroes particants at the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League

Brian Lara and the Heroes Foundation launch “SAVE”

by Shemariah | Jul 24, 2023 | News

“Sport Against Violent Energy” introduces 1,500 young people to cricket.

24th July 2023 – Port-of-Spain: Cricket legend Brian Lara and the Trinidad and Tobago-based Heroes Foundation have joined forces for a transformative sport and youth development initiative called ‘SAVE’ – Sport Against Violent Energy.

The initiative was launched during the West Indies vs India test match at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad on Friday, where fifteen hundred (1,500) local and migrant youth attendees were introduced to the wonderful world of cricket.

United by a shared vision to leverage sport and youth development to create positive change, SAVE aims to highlight the pivotal role that sports play in nurturing future generations, fostering vibrant communities, and ultimately making significant strides in curbing negative influences.

The launch received overwhelming support from what was the largest youth crowd in the oval, with young attendees coming from thirty-two (32) Secondary Schools and Civil-Society Organisations from across the country.

This united front of young people and communities emphasised the appeal and value of sports in empowering youth while rallying thunderous support and pride for both the West Indies and Indian cricket teams. The event also provided an incredible opportunity for attendees to engage with local and international icons, including the legendary Brian Lara himself, former West Indies Cricketer, Dinanath Ramnarine, Miss World Trinidad and Tobago Aché Abrahams, and Miss Universe Trinidad and Tobago Faith Gillezeau.

PHOTO: Brian Lara with young cricket fans at the SAVE launch with the Heroes Foundation

Speaking during the launch, Lara expressed his commitment to the region’s development.

“I have witnessed the transformative power of sports for young people, families, and communities across the world, especially when consistent support is provided. My stepping stone into cricket began on Sundays at the Harvard Coaching Clinic, which ignited my passion for the sport and played a crucial role in my character and skills development. I want more young people to have similar opportunities. While they have more distractions today than when I was growing up, I am excited about the positive impact we can create through SAVE and the work of the Heroes Foundation.

Together, across our region, we can foster a new generation of sportsmen and sportswomen who will make us all proud as both skilled players and responsible global citizens. Collaboration among clubs, foundations, academies, governments, and corporates, all working in the best interest of our youth, is essential for achieving this vision. I am grateful for the support we received for this launch event, especially from our sponsors, and look forward to the work we will do together.”

Founded in 2002, the Heroes Foundation is dedicated to empowering children and youth to find the hero within themselves and become positive change agents in their schools, communities, and countries. By implementing long-term development programmes and skills-development initiatives, Heroes helps address psychosocial and socioeconomic barriers that hinder their development and creates safe spaces where they can build a sense of community, collaborate, and support each other grow.

PHOTO: Hard at work – Brian Lara and Heroes Foundation CEO at the SAVE launch

Chief Executive Officer of the Heroes Foundation, Lawrence Arjoon, expressed appreciation for Brian Lara’s commitment to long-term development work.

“We’re motivated by the positive transformation seen in the thousands of young people who have gone through our programmes in safe, supportive environments over the past twenty years. With Brian Lara’s leadership, we are excited by the expanded opportunities SAVE will provide for young people to grow and thrive.

When heroes like Brian Lara support young people by sharing their stories, experiences, and efforts, they inspire the next generation to dream big, believe in themselves, and find courage despite their challenges. The youth participation and support at Friday’s game and launch is a testament to that.”

Lara and Heroes extend their heartfelt gratitude to all supporters and partners for the launch of SAVE who believe in the power of sports to shape a brighter future for our region’s youth:

OUR SPONSORS: