Aaron Simmons Set to Make Historic Return for Bermuda at Jamaican International Badminton Tournament
Bermuda’s number one men’s singles badminton player, Aaron Simmons, will make history when he represents Bermuda at the Jamaica International Badminton Tournament in Kingston from August 5th - 9th, 2026.
At just 24 years old, Simmons will become the first Bermudian male badminton player to compete internationally in the Caribbean since the 1980s, marking a significant milestone for the sport in Bermuda. The achievement is particularly meaningful as Simmons follows in the footsteps of his first coach and mentor, Harold Minors, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
Minors was the last Bermudian to compete in a Badminton World Federation (BWF) sanctioned international tournament and also represented Bermuda at various tournaments throughout the Caribbean. Inspired by Minors’ dedication to developing the sport locally, Simmons has also committed himself to giving back to the community. Through coaching junior players in Bermuda, he hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton talent and share his passion for the game.
Simmons’ dedication to badminton is reflected in his personal motto: “Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.”
For the past eight years, Simmons has competed in numerous individual tournaments in both the United Kingdom and the United States, gaining valuable international experience. He is also a member of Bermuda’s Island Games badminton team, which will travel to the Faroe Islands in July 2027.
In preparation for the Jamaica International Tournament, Simmons has been undertaking an intensive training programme and will be accompanied by his current coach, Rebecca Pantaney of the United Kingdom. Pantaney brings a wealth of international experience, having won gold with the England women’s team at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and more recently securing bronze medals in both ladies’ doubles and mixed doubles at the 2025 BWF World Senior Championships in Thailand.
Her guidance will be invaluable as Simmons begins his journey toward achieving a BWF men’s singles world ranking, with the Jamaica International Tournament serving as the first step in that process.
Simmons expressed his gratitude to the organisations that have supported his journey to Jamaica:
● Puddy’s Enterprise – Lead Sponsor ● Bermuda Badminton Association – Governing Body ● ABC Fundamentals – Simmons’ coaching company ● Elere Sports
Looking ahead to the tournament, Simmons said, “I’m excited to break new ground for Bermuda in international badminton. My goal is to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible, not only to improve as a player but also to help coach and develop the youth back home in Bermuda. Ultimately, I want to become the first Bermudian to achieve a men’s singles world ranking.”
The Bermuda badminton community wishes Simmons every success as he represents the island on the international stage and continues to build on the legacy of Harold Minors.
Monday, July 20, 2026
IslandStats Cricket Show Returns Tonight 6pm
IslandStats.com
The IslandStats.com Cricket Show makes its highly anticipated return to the airwaves this evening (MONDAY), bringing you comprehensive coverage of a packed weekend of Bermudian cricket.
Broadcast live at 6:00 pm, the show headlines a massive weekend of action, featuring a full breakdown of Bailey's Bay's emphatic victory over Cleveland County in the first round of the Eastern County Cup at Lord's.
Host analysis will dissect Terryn Fray's brilliant unbeaten century and Derrick Brangman's match-winning five-wicket haul that set the tournament alight.
In addition to the cup drama, the panel will review today's full slate of crucial standard-format fixtures across both the Premier and First Divisions as the domestic league campaign intensifies.
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Red Carpet Rolled out for Seniors with Free Cup Match Admission
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s seniors will be granted completely free entry to both days of this year's Cup Match classic at Somerset Cricket Club.
The historic gesture has been made possible through a major sponsorship package from Island Construction Services (ICS) and ICS Tires, estimated to be worth around $30,000.
The landmark initiative marks the first time in the tournament's history that seniors will not have to pay gate admission to attend the iconic two-day summer festival.
Speaking at a press conference at the company's Devonshire headquarters, ICS President and CEO Zane DeSilva highlighted the importance of giving back to the generation that built modern Bermuda.
"We are over the moon excited with the sponsorship for our seniors over the Cup Match two days. For the first time in history, they will not have to pay any entry fees, and we're hoping that this goes a little way to show the appreciation of us to them.
"We stand on the shoulders of our seniors, and we'd like to show them just a little bit of appreciation by inviting them to come to both days of Cup Match—and the fees are on us."
With Somerset Cricket Club playing host to this year's classic on July 30th and 31st, club president Richard Scott expressed immense gratitude for the community-minded gesture.
"As host club this year, we are certainly very grateful to Minister DeSilva and the ICS team," Scott said. "This kind gesture of community support, particularly for our seniors, is wonderful. We would just like to encourage the seniors to come out, take advantage of the fact that this won't cost you anything but your time, and support."
Neil Paynter, president of challengers St. George's Cricket Club, echoed those sentiments, praising the initiative during a challenging economic climate.
"On behalf of St. George's Cricket Club, we just want to invite the seniors to come out this year. This initiative by ICS is great," Paynter said. "We just look forward to them being a part of the event and thank ICS for their contribution to the Cup Match classic."
Monday, July 13, 2026
Freestyle Legends Tour in Bermuda 2027 Confirmed
IslandStats.com
The inaugural Freestyle Legends Tour has secured a major coup for its maiden event in Bermuda, with the world-renowned Casati family confirmed as the star attraction.
Brothers Lorenzo and Leonardo Casati, who have heavily dominated the global Big Air and freestyle scenes, will headline the highly anticipated event at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa from February 4-6, 2027.
The announcement marks a historic gathering for the sport. Lorenzo, the 2025 GKA Big Air World Champion and a two-time Red Bull King of the Air winner, will share the water with his younger brother Leonardo, the reigning 2026 Big Air World Champion.
Making the Atlantic showcase even more significant is the inclusion of their father, Renato Casati. A pioneer of early Italian kitesurfing, Renato has served as the architect behind his sons' meteoric rise, travelling full-time as their coach and support system.
Organizers emphasized that bringing the trio to the island perfectly reflects the overarching vision for the newly minted series.
"The Freestyle Legends Tour is about far more than competition," a tour spokesperson stated. "It’s about celebrating the athletes, the families, the journeys and the stories that have shaped our sport. Having Lorenzo, Leonardo and Renato together in Bermuda perfectly reflects what we stand for."
Dubbed "The Home of Freestyle Legends," the custom invite-only tour aims to create a global ecosystem connecting elite riders with premium hospitality experiences.
Organizers confirmed that further announcements regarding additional world-champion riders, luxury travel packages, and ticketing details will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Tuesday, July 07, 2026
Robinson Crowns Himself Grand National Champion
IslandStats.com
Bermudian jump rope star Ajani Robinson has pulled off a sensational, dominant comeback to be crowned a Grand National Champion at the US National Championships in Buffalo, New York.
Competing across a grueling four-day event, Robinson initially secured second place in the 19+ Individual Freestyle Age Division and finished fourth in the pairs Freestyle alongside Finniegan Cook, a junior athlete he coaches.
However, it was his tactical masterclass in the finals that stole the show. Entering the final round in second place overall for the individual freestyle, Robinson executed a breathtaking, high-octane routine with just two minor mistakes.
The clinical performance engineered a dramatic turnaround, surging him into first place with a commanding three-point lead over the previous leader to claim the ultimate title.
"It led to a very dominant comeback," Robinson said. "Overall, it was an extremely good competition, and one that I will remember forever as an American Jump Rope Federation Grand National Championship."
The triumph adds another historic chapter to the William Peace University senior's growing international resume, following his multi-medal haul on the world stage in East Asia.
