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The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting healthy living across the Caribbean. The league is launching a Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing Advisory Board to spearhead wellness initiatives throughout the region, leveraging the CPL’s broad platform to drive positive change.
Key Figures and Goals
The Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing Advisory Board will convene quarterly, collaborating closely with senior CPL staff. Their mission is to guide the CPL on effective ways to encourage healthy living and wellness among fans and the broader Caribbean community. The board includes notable figures such as:
- Daren Sammy, Head Coach of the West Indies men’s cricket team
- Dr. Akshai Mansingh, Joint Chief Medical Officer for the CPL
- Hayley Matthews, West Indies cricketer
- Dr. Maryam Abdool-Richards, Principal Medical Officer at the Trinidad & Tobago Ministry of Health
Promoting Healthy Living
Pete Russell, CPL’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Health, fitness, and wellbeing are critical issues not only in the Caribbean but globally. We want to harness the power of cricket and the CPL’s reach to promote positive health outcomes,” Russell stated. “Our aim is to develop lasting programs that will positively impact health and wellbeing across the region. This season, fans can look forward to fun and engaging health-focused activities at our games.”
Board Members’ Perspectives
Daren Sammy expressed his dedication to the cause, particularly for the youth. “The health and wellbeing of the Caribbean people, especially our young people, are very important to me. Through my foundation, we work hard to support youth, and I am excited to extend that work through this new CPL initiative.”
Hayley Matthews shared her personal connection to the mission, highlighting the importance of sports and fitness for women and girls in the Caribbean. “I am passionate about encouraging women and girls to participate in sports and fitness. As someone managing a sporting career with diabetes, I hope to bring a unique perspective to our discussions and initiatives.”
The CPL’s Health, Fitness, and Wellbeing Advisory Board aims to create a lasting impact on the region’s health landscape. By integrating wellness activities into their events and fostering a culture of health and fitness, the CPL seeks to inspire communities to adopt healthier lifestyles.
With prominent figures like Daren Sammy and Hayley Matthews involved, the board is well-positioned to influence positive change. The CPL’s efforts will not only enhance the experience of attending a cricket match but also contribute to a broader societal goal of improving public health in the Caribbean.
