TORONTO, April 25 /CNW/ - Long after the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC
2007) has concluded, and life returns to normal for participants, spectators
and visitors, the excitement will continue to build among West Indies youth,
thanks to the Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Program.
    "While it's normal for the hoopla to die down after this international
sporting event wraps up, we see this as just the beginning," notes Pat
Minicucci, Senior Vice President, International, Scotiabank. "We believe that,
by showcasing the best world-class athletic talent, the World Cup can inspire
many youth to get out on the pitch - perhaps for the first time - dream of
personal success, and start to build the positive athletic skills and life
values that come with participation in cricket."
    "That's where Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket comes in," notes Minicucci, whose
organization is also a Regional Official Sponsor of the ICC Cricket World Cup
West Indies 2007. "Our program lets youth turn their dreams into reality by
providing them with local access to equipment, training to develop a life-long
love for the sport."
    Although Scotiabank's sponsorship of CWC 2007 has attracted considerable
recent attention, Minicucci notes that the Bank has been actively involved in
promoting cricket for many years as a long-time supporter of the West Indies
Cricket Board (WICB). In a joint effort with the WICB in 2000, Scotiabank
launched Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket to help foster the skills and passion for
cricket among West Indies children.
    Through Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket, primary school youth receive equipment
and training to gain an appreciation for the game that is deeply rooted in
their West Indian heritage. The program also provides training for teachers to
coach the basics of the game.
    Since 2000, Scotiabank has introduced Kiddy Cricket to 14 countries
throughout the Caribbean, and given more than 20,000 children an opportunity
to participate in the program. With the Bank's support, the WICB has
distributed Kiddy Cricket equipment kits to more than 800 schools across the
West Indies, and has provided training to more than 700 teachers so they could
become Kiddy Cricket coaches.
    "Through Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket, children not only acquire an interest
and passion for playing cricket, they also develop interpersonal skills,
self-confidence, and self-discipline...qualities that benefit them for a
lifetime," raves Minicucci. "With Scotiabank's commitment to corporate social
responsibility, these are the types of values we want to help instill in
future generations."
    Minicucci adds that more than 150 employees have received training to
teach children the basics of the game and Scotiabankers also volunteer to
co-ordinate presentations during the regional test series matches, where the
Kiddy Cricket students have the opportunity to display their skills publicly,
during the international matches.
    As leader in the banking sector in the Caribbean, Scotiabank is committed
to supporting the communities in which we live and work. Scotiabank is a
Regional Official Sponsor of the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007.
Scotiabank is also the Official Bank of West Indies Cricket and the Exclusive
Sponsor of Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket.
    Scotiabank has been part of the Caribbean and Central America since 1889.
It is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 25 countries. The
bank has some 10,260 employees in the region, serving more than two million
customers, with about 348 branches and about 777 automated banking machines.

    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With close to 57,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $396 billion in assets (as at January 31, 2007), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.