DCYFS And Betta Dais Host Golf Tournament
The inaugural DCYFS x Betta Dais Legends Golf Tournament brought together football legends, community leaders and supporters to raise awareness for Raleigh Bermuda while promoting youth empowerment, violence prevention and community engagement.
A spokesperson said, “Against the backdrop of one of Bermuda’s most historic public golf courses, the inaugural DCYFS x Betta Dais Legends Golf Tournament delivered far more than a day of competition.
“Bringing together football icons, community leaders, first responders, government representatives and supporters from across the island, the event served as a compelling demonstration of the impact that can be achieved when sport, philanthropy and community engagement converge around a common purpose.
“Hosted by Don’t Cut Your Future Short [DCYFS] in collaboration with Betta Dais, the tournament raised awareness and support for Raleigh Bermuda, while reinforcing a broader message centred on youth empowerment, violence prevention and collective responsibility.
“For Tammy L. Richardson-Augustus JP, Founder and Programme Lead of Don’t Cut Your Future Short, the event represented the natural progression of a partnership grounded in shared values.
“The DCYFS x Betta Dais partnership traces its origins to 2017, when Ms Richardson-Augustus first engaged with Betta Dais founders Jai Burgess and Marquis Burgess. From the outset, a natural alignment was evident. United by a shared commitment to youth empowerment and community uplift, they recognised an opportunity to leverage their collective networks to expand pathways, strengthen support systems and create meaningful opportunities for Bermuda’s young people.
“That shared commitment remains central to the work of both organisations. Since its inception, Betta Dais has been guided by the principles of community service, mentorship, education, youth development and giving back. Through scholarships, fundraising initiatives, volunteer projects and targeted community outreach, the organisation has established itself as a respected force for positive action and meaningful engagement across Bermuda.
“Those values were reflected throughout the tournament, which brought together participants from a broad cross-section of Bermudian society. Government representatives joined members of the police and fire services, business leaders, community advocates and athletes in support of a common cause: investing in the island’s next generation.
“A particular highlight of the event was attendance of football legends John Barnes and Andrew Cole. Their presence added stature to the occasion while reinforcing the event’s core themes of resilience, discipline, perseverance and positive decision-making.
“Prior to play, participants heard reflections from Barnes and Cole on the realities of elite sport, overcoming setbacks and maintaining focus in the pursuit of long-term goals. Their experiences offered a powerful reminder that success is seldom linear and that character is often forged through adversity.
“Andrew Cole l participated in the tournament joining the team of Bermuda legend Kyle Lightbourne, Chid Ofeogo [Financial Secretary], Michelle Bailey and Ebonie Burgess Cox [female golf pro, PGA Associate and US Kids Certified Coach].
“The choice of golf as the vehicle for engagement was equally intentional. Unlike many sports, golf demands patience, concentration, emotional control and strategic thinking over an extended period. These qualities, while essential on the course, are equally valuable in education, business and everyday life. The tournament therefore offered an opportunity to draw clear parallels between sporting discipline and personal development.
“Importantly, the event also provided a platform to spotlight the work of Raleigh Bermuda, whose mission closely aligns with that of both organising partners. Since its founding in 2004, Raleigh Bermuda has worked to empower young people through experiential learning, leadership development, local training, overseas expeditions and ongoing coaching. The organisation’s vision of a Bermuda where young people are challenged to raise their aspirations, supported to believe in themselves and inspired to contribute positively to their communities made it a fitting beneficiary for the tournament.
“Beyond fundraising, the day successfully facilitated meaningful engagement among stakeholders who might not otherwise have shared the same space. Conversations forged on fairways and greens created opportunities for new partnerships, strengthened existing relationships and reinforced a collective commitment to youth development across multiple sectors.
“Reflecting on the day’s success, organisers noted that the tournament demonstrated what is possible when stakeholders unite around a common purpose.
“More than a golf tournament, the event served as a powerful statement of collective responsibility and a shared commitment to investing in Bermuda’s future. Through mentorship, sport, philanthropy and community engagement, the DCYFS x Betta Dais Legends Golf Tournament highlighted the role each sector can play in empowering young people and strengthening communities.
“The event concluded with a clear and enduring message: Bermuda’s young people are our greatest investment, and building stronger pathways to success is a responsibility shared by us all.
“Future Sponsorship opportunities and to learn more, please contact Tammy L. Richardson-Augustus JP at trichardsonaugustus@gmail.com.”
