Finals of SDC National T20 Cricket Competition August 25

Cricket fans are invited to enjoy thrilling action, family fun and exciting giveaways at the Social Development Commission (SDC) National T20 Cricket Competition finals on Sunday, August 25, at Chedwin Park in St. Catherine.

The event is free to children under 12 years; however, those 12 years and older, along with adults, will pay a $1,000 fee.

Public Relations Manager, SDC, Mandel McKulsky, told JIS News that gates will open at 8:00 a.m.

The first of two finals being played on the day will commence at 10:00 a.m. and will see Bushy Park Masters from Clarendon compete against Angels Masters from St. Catherine in the Masters Competition.

“The Masters Competition is an addition to the SDC National T20 Cricket Competition where we have players 45 years and older competing for cash prizes as well as bragging rights,” said Mr. McKulsky.

At 2:00 p.m., all eyes will be on the main event as Links United from St. Ann faces off against the defending champion, Fairfield United from Manchester.

The competition boasts a total prize package of more than $2 million.

The winning team in the grand final will take home $1.5 million, while the runner-up will receive $750,000.

In the Masters category, the champion will receive $500,000 and the runner-up will be awarded $250,000.

Mr. McKulsky informed that based on the rules of the competition, “it is mandated that 15 per cent of the prize monies won by any team, at any phase of the competition, goes back into a community project that is assessed and passed by the SDC”.

He further highlighted that beyond the cricket, patrons can look forward to a range of activities and prizes throughout the day from sponsors, namely the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Wray & Nephew, Lasco Financial Services, HEART/NSTA Trust, Courts Ready Cash and IRIE FM.

“HEART/NSTA Trust will be doing a free on-spot assessment for Customer Service. So, persons are asked to take along their ID and TRN,” he added.

The Public Relations Manager is also urging everyone to come out early as a packed venue is expected.

“The competition will be showcasing individual talents. Over the years, it has unearthed many talents, who have gone on to represent the country and the West Indies, and we are expecting that these similar talents will be on display. So, come out and get first-hand view of what is to come for cricket in Jamaica,” he added.

Some 136 T20 and 23 Masters cricket teams, representing approximately 200 communities across the island, participated in this year’s competition.

The cricket competition, now in its 17th year, is an annual event that is part of the wider SDC Sports for Community Development Programme.

The programme is an intervention strategy used by the SDC to bolster community engagement and improve health and morals of community citizens.

It is used to attract and engage residents in a range of exciting, participatory and unifying sporting activities.