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.
Tuesday, July 07, 2026
Christopher faces Mauro Silva Battle of Unbeatens
IslandStats.com
Tyler Christopher – the Birmingham based Bermudian with a style as smooth as silk – has the big arena fight he’s been near begging for, writes Mike Lockley of Fight City.
On Boxxer’s August 8th First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, show, the southpaw will face Mauro Silva in an eight round battle of unbeatens. The bill is topped by the mouthwatering rematch between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson.
Christopher, who fights out of the D&A gym, has been banging the drum for a slot on a major TV show for some time. The light-middleweight is unbeaten in 12, but yet to be truly tested. He did, however, twice drop Jordan Grannum – the most accomplished journeyman in the business – on the way to a points win. Not many floor Grannum and that performance suggests underrated firepower.
Middleweight Silva is a step-up for the 29-year-old and the bout will tell us a lot more about Tyler’s potential.
Manager Jon Pegg agrees. He said: “How good is Tyler? We’ll find out on August 8. Silva’s a good kid- you don’t go 9-0 without being a good kid, he’s strong and quite aggressive, but he’s not unbeatable. And Tyler’s a good kid, too.
“If it turns into a fight, Silva has the edge. If it turns into a boxing match, Tyler has the edge.”
Silva, from Portugal but based in Manchester, is also yet to face a real test, although he appears to have the edge in power with four stoppages.
Christopher was a good amateur, part of Bermuda’s national team and an Olympic trialist. He arrived in Birmingham in 2021 to pursue a pro career. He has kept strong links with the paradise island and is sponsored by companies over there. It’s hoped he’ll box on a Bermuda pro show in the future.
Of the Silva clash, Tyler said: “I almost got matched with (Slough’s 9-0) Hassan Azim, but that fell through. Silva’s a good boxer who hasn’t done much in boxing beside beat who’s been put in front of him, as goes for me - I’ve done the same.
“He hasn’t been some spectacular amateur, he’s just gotten around some notable boxing names and picked up knowledge. I’m geared up and ready for this fight. I’m a super-welterweight (light-middle in old money), but this fight’s at middleweight. I don’t mind. Less weight I have to shed.
“It’ll be a great fight between two good boxers.”
Monday, July 06, 2026
Ray Balances Historic Cup Match Dream with Netball Call-Up
IslandStats.com
Brianna Ray’s historic ambition of becoming the first woman ever selected for Bermuda's legendary Cup Match Classic may have to wait another year—at least in terms of full-throttle cricket focus—after the talented all-rounder was named to the Bermuda Longtails Senior Women’s National Netball Team for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
The dual-sport athlete will travel to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as part of the island's largest-ever multi-sport delegation.
However, anyone expecting the fiercely competitive all-rounder to concede her cricket aspirations will have to think again. Despite the grueling demands of preparing for a major international tournament on the court, Ray insists her determination to break boundaries on the cricket pitch remains completely unshaken.
When asked if her dual commitments meant the dream of making an appearance in the annual mid-summer cricket classic had faded, Ray issued a defiant response.
“No dreams are gone in the cricketing department! I’ve been working really hard to be able to keep my body fit and healthy to be training both."
The unique scheduling of the summer calendar has also left the door slightly ajar for a busy couple of weeks.
"We leave the Saturday after the Cup Match Classic, so the opportunity to be involved with the Cup Match Classic is still available to me," Ray explained. "I am still putting 100% of myself into both cricket and netball.”
Ray’s inclusion in the Longtails' netball squad adds significant athleticism and tactical flexibility to the national side as they prepare to test themselves against the region's elite.
The netball tournament in Santo Domingo promises to be a physical war of attrition, with the Longtails facing elite Caribbean powerhouses who traditionally dominate the regional standings.
Yet, it is Ray’s relentless work ethic away from the cameras that has allowed her to remain in selection conversations for two completely different national programs. Whether she is driving through the mid-court or anchoring an innings with the bat, her presence continues to rewrite the playbook for modern Bermudian athletes.
