Republic Bank’s “Five for Fun” launches bigger 2026 edition

The fourth annual Republic Bank “Five for Fun” school cricket programme was officially launched on Thursday at the Everest Cricket Club ground on Camp Road, Georgetown, with organisers announcing a major expansion for 2026.
The fast-growing primary school tournament will run from June to October and is expected to feature male and female students from approximately 100 schools across the country. This marks a significant increase from the 75 schools that competed in 2025. For the first time, schools from Regions One and Nine will join the competition, alongside participants from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and 10.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) President Bissoondyal Singh hailed the programme’s steady growth and impact on youth development.
“Now entering its sixth year, this fast-paced and inclusive programme has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of youth cricket development,” Singh said. “The Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme continues to grow as a vital grassroots initiative, combining cricket development with life skills in a safe, engaging, and supportive environment where young boys and girls can learn, express themselves, thrive, and grow.”
Singh emphasised that the initiative goes beyond competition, focusing equally on character building and inclusivity.
“This programme is not simply about competition. It is about inclusion, opportunity, participation, and development. It gives both boys and girls equal access to learn and enjoy the game while developing qualities such as leadership, patience, teamwork, resilience, confidence, discipline, respect, and responsibility. These are not only sporting qualities; they are life qualities,” he stated.
He further underscored the strategic importance of the initiative within Guyana’s broader cricket development framework.
“Importantly, this initiative forms a critical part of Guyana’s wider cricket development strategy. Through strong collaboration with Cricket West Indies, Republic Bank, the Government of Guyana, schools, clubs, coaches, and development partners, we are helping to create a clear and sustainable pathway from primary school cricket to club cricket, county cricket, national youth cricket, and beyond,” Singh added.
Republic Bank Limited (RBL), the title sponsor of the programme, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and national development. Jannis London, Human Resources Manager at Republic Bank, described the tournament as a key component of the bank’s social investment efforts.
“At Republic Bank, we firmly believe that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our nation,” London said. “This programme, which is part of our ‘Power to Make a Difference’ social investment initiative, is not only about cricket but about keeping our children engaged, keeping them active, and keeping them focused.”
She noted that the tournament provides more than sporting opportunities.
“It’s about exposing them to values like teamwork, discipline, confidence and even the possibility of pursuing cricket at a professional level. Over the last three years, we’ve seen over 300 young cricketers, both boys and girls from across the country, come together eager to learn, to compete and have fun,” London added.
With increased participation and wider regional representation, the 2026 edition of the Republic Bank “Five for Fun” programme is poised to further strengthen grassroots cricket development in Guyana while fostering the next generation of players and leaders.