It is my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the official press conference for the inaugural Bermuda Smash Invitational. My name is Shane Hollis and it’s an honor to stand before you today as we unveil a tournament that promises to reinvigorate T20 cricket right here in Bermuda. A cause we can all enthusiastically get behind.
The Bermuda Smash Invitational, or BSI, however, is more than just a cricket tournament. It will be a festival of sport, embodying the passion, the excitement, and the spirit of competition that T20 cricket is known worldwide for. And while there may be many T20 tournaments across the globe, none of them have the stunning backdrop of Bermuda’s picturesque landscapes.
That combined with the natural charm and welcoming nature of our island and its people, BSI is poised to offer not just thrilling cricket action but a celebration of the culture and hospitality that makes Bermuda truly unique.
Our tournament will take place from May 15th – 19th, right here at the National Sports Center. A prime time to visit our island.
However, before we dive deeper, please allow me a moment, on behalf of myself and the entire team, to extend our deep gratitude to our key sponsors.
The Hon. Minister Owen K. Darrell, JP, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Government of Bermuda.
· Our Gold sponsor – LiveNet,
· Silver sponsor – CG Insurance,
· Bronze sponsors – MS Reinsurance, BermudAir, Burrows Lightbourn, BGA, Sound Concepts and Barclay’s Construction.
Your unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our efforts, transforming the vision of the Bermuda Smash Invitational into a vibrant reality. Thank you for your belief in us, for your commitment to excellence, and for joining us on this remarkable journey.
That said, let me tell you a bit more about this competition. It begins with four new teams.
It is with great pleasure I introduce to you:
• The Pembroke Panthers – presented by our Gold Sponsor LiveNet Coached by Janeiro Tucker, Captained by Tre Manders
- The Hamilton Parish Hurricanes – Coached by Clay Smith, Captained by Terryn Fray
- The Smith’s Sixers – Coached by Clevie Wade, Captained by Delray Rawlins
- The Sandys Spartans – Coached by Jeff Richardson, Captained by Kamau Leverock
You can already feel the rivalries building. Before they all hit the field, though, on May 15th, BSI will bring a new element of excitement to the world of T20 cricket. A LIVE draft on Friday, May 10th. Where, our four selected coaches and captains will come together at the Oceanview Golf Club in Devonshire, along with you, the fans, to carefully select their winning squad. This will be a high stakes event and the first of its kind. Think about it, everyone will find out the full team squads at the same time.
With this in mind, we are also thrilled to announce the participation of some of the world’s most talented T20 cricketers. The BSI team is delighted to welcome our signed international players from the West Indies:
- Hailing from Guyana, former West Indies and current Guyana Amazon Warriors player, Chandrapaul Hemraj
- From Barbados, West Indies and Barbados all rounder, Raymon Reifer
- Also from Barbados, Shamarh Brooks, current West Indies and Barbados cricketer
- And, West Indies 2016 ICC T20 World Cup Hero, Carlos Brathwaite, also from Barbados
These remarkable athletes will be drafted to teams in the coming weeks, so be sure to stay tuned to our website and social channels for team updates. Their presence in the tournament will showcase the high caliber of competition Bermuda Smash Invitational aims to achieve. Their skills and world class experience, paired with Bermuda’s best players, will keep cricket fans on the edge of their seats across the island and the globe.
The Bermuda Smash Invitational is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled cricket experience, not only to the players taking the field but to every cricket lover in attendance. From nail-biting finishes to displays of extraordinary talent, all wrapped up in the spirit of international camaraderie, we are committed to making this tournament a benchmark for how T20 cricket is celebrated.
In closing, I wish to thank each one of you – our sponsors, players, organizers, and, most importantly, our fans – for making the Bermuda Smash Invitational possible. Your passion and support ignite our ambition and drive us forward.
We would also like to take this opportunity to invite both vendors and those who wish to volunteer, to visit our website to sign up and be apart BSI. Together, we stand on the brink of a new chapter in cricket history, and I invite you all to join us in making the Bermuda Smash Invitational, an annual signature event that will be continued and enjoyed for years to come.
Follow us for more updates on our website www.bermudasmash.com
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