The BCB (Bermuda Cricket Board) and BFA (BermudaFootball Association) are delighted to announce the signing of a groundbreakingMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing collaboration and promoting excellence within cricket and football, respectively. The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at the Police Recreation Club Hall in Devonshire, marking a significant milestone for both organizations.

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Under the theme of "Uniting Sports for a Brighter Future," the event aimed to provide comprehensive details to clubs and the media about the momentous memorandum of understanding between the BCB and BFA.Notable figures from the sports industry and government officials were present to witness this historic occasion.

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The ceremony commenced with opening remarks from the distinguished Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport, Owen K. Darrell, JP, who celebrated the collaboration between the BCB and BFA reminding the audience of the ministry’s mantra “Sport Matters”. BCB President Arnold Manders and BFAPresident Mark Wade also shared their remarks, emphasizing the significance of the signing.

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The Master of Ceremony, Wendell Dill, shared with the audience the exact wording of the MoU as well as encouraged attendees to take similar collaborative actions amongst themselves to share knowledge and resources.

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Adding to the importance of the occasion, BCBExecutive Director Calvin Blankendal and BFA General Secretary David Sabir highlighted the longstanding connection between football and cricket. Commemorative gifts were exchanged between include a plaque and national team jerseys for both sports.

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Director of Youth Sports and Recreation, K. Charryse Bean, congratulated the BCB and BFA for their collaborative efforts, noting the importance of national sports governing bodies creating opportunities to work together.

The event saw the participation of over 35 representatives from Member Associations of football and cricket clubs acrossthe island, Executive Council members from both the BFA, BCB, BRA (BermudaReferees Association), BFCA (Bermuda Football Coaches Association) and esteemedmembers of the media, including Island Stats and The Royal Gazette.

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This MoU signifies a landmark agreement between theBCB and BFA, setting the stage for a strategic partnership. This collaboration will facilitate regular communications and discussions on matters of mutual interest, benefitting both the football and cricket communities in Bermuda.

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Notably, both the BCB and BFA are registered charities in Bermuda, with the former serving as the national sports governing body for cricket and the latter as the national sports governing body for football. TheBCB and BFA remain committed to their shared goal of advancing sports development in Bermuda. The signing of this MoU represents an important step towards achieving this objective.

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Looking ahead, the BCB and BFA will continue to foster growth and development within their respective sports. Future event dates will be announced in the coming months, providing further opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

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The BCB and BFA would like to extend their gratitude to all participants, spectators, and clubs for their ongoing support. The significance of supporting local clubs and national sports governing bodies (NSGBs)cannot be overstated, as they play a vital role in nurturing the sporting talent and aspirations of the community.

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