BELCO To End Sponsorship After 2016 Cup
Today [April 29] BELCO and the Bermuda Cricket Board [BCB] announced the plans for BELCO Cup 2016, and BELCO also announced that this will be the final year they will sponsor the annual cricket event saying “due to ongoing budget constraints we have been faced with having to make difficult financial decisions, and as a result we have reduced some of our corporate and community sponsorships.”
On Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m. the top four teams from the 2015 season will compete for the final BELCO Cup title during the semi-finals.
Last year’s BELCO Cup Champions, Southampton Rangers captured the coveted title from St. David’s CC. The defending champions will take on St. David’s CCC during the semi-finals at Somerset Cricket Club while Bailey’s Bay CC will challenge Cleveland County CC at St. David’s Cricket Club.
On Sunday, May 15 at 11 a.m. the winners of the semi-finals will compete for the 2016 BELCO Cup Championship in St. David’s at 11a.m. [admission is $5.00 for adults, 18 or older]. Gombey Evolution will be performing as halftime entertainment at 2:30 p.m.
Lloyd Fray, President of the BCB said, “The BELCO Cup has deservedly become a marquee event each year and is much anticipated by clubs, players and fans alike.
“Once again the community will have an opportunity to watch the top teams from last year’s Premier division compete in an exciting weekend of cricket. With this being the final year that BELCO are sponsoring this event I expect some exceptional cricket played in the highest standards of sportsmanship.”
“I take this opportunity to thank BELCO for their incredible contribution to cricket over the 14 years that they have sponsored the BELCO Cup. I thank Garry Madeiros, Denton Williams and the whole BELCO organisation for showing great passion in marketing this event and supporting it fully with their volunteering staff members.
“Over the 14 years BELCO will have awarded over $53,000 in prize money to clubs and players. Each year the BELCO Cup has supported a charity allowing telling contributions to be made not just to youth cricket but also to The Sunshine League and Feed the children.”
Denton Williams, BELCO’s Chief Operating Officer said, “We have been the proud sponsor of BELCO Cup for the past 13 years, surpassing our initial agreement of 10 years.
“The decision to finish BELCO Cup this year was a difficult one, but due to ongoing budget constraints we have been faced with having to make difficult financial decisions, and as a result we have reduced some of our corporate and community sponsorships.
“We would like to thank everyone on and off the field for their dedication and support of BELCO Cup over the years. It has been a successful event and we have no doubt that the 14th and final year will be the same.
“It has been an honour to have been a part of such a community-driven sporting event and we wish the Bermuda Cricket Board and each one of the cricket clubs all the success in the future. We encourage all fans to come out and enjoy a weekend of exciting cricket and let’s make this last BELCO Cup the best one to date.”
“We are also pleased to once again support the development of Bermuda’s future cricket players by supporting the Bermuda Cricket Board’s National Youth Academy. BCB’s National Youth Academy will receive all entry fees and any additional donations that fans may wish to make.
“The National Youth Academy provides Bermuda’s talented young cricket players with a comprehensive programme to develop their skills while also providing them with the tools they need to become well-rounded members of the community.”
