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Hamilton, Bermuda, March 29, 2023 – Ariel Re has announced it has donated $45,000 to Beyond Rugby Bermuda.

Established in 2011, Family Centre’s accredited Beyond Rugby Bermuda programme works with young people to encourage them to take up the game of rugby as a way of helping them to reach their full potential – both on the field and in their day-to-day lives. Working with nearly 100 young people each year, the initiative combines rugby coaching expertise from the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) with the therapeutic support of Family Centre to inspire and develop youth through rugby.

The programme is delivered in partnership with CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute. Programme activities include homework support, social skills development, character building, and rugby coaching. Staff and coaches are specifically trained to recognise and work with youth who may demonstrate trauma-based behaviours.

Youth are provided with a snack, a meal, and transportation home after each practice and are provided with crisis support on an as-needed basis. The programme is designed to decrease barriers to participation, promote high levels of youth engagement, and provide young people with the supports they need to overcome their challenges, so that they can make positive changes in their lives.

“We have tremendous admiration for the work which Beyond Rugby Bermuda does every year,” said Ariel Re Chief Executive Officer Ryan Mather. “It has already had an extremely positive effect on the lives of hundreds of young Bermudians – some of whom are building careers in international business – and we are delighted to support their ongoing work.”

Elizabeth Francis, Senior Community Support Worker at Family Centre, added: “We are so grateful that three Ariel Re staff members recently participated in our Annual Mock Job Interview event for the Beyond Rugby students. The students received excellent feedback on their interview skills and left the event feeling very encouraged about their futures.”

“We are extremely grateful for Ariel Re’s partnership with our Beyond Rugby Bermuda programme,” said Family Centre’s Executive Director, Dr Sandy De Silva. “Their generous donation is a significant contribution towards running the programme and their team is invested in the success of the Beyond Rugby students. This partnership ensures that Beyond Rugby Bermuda can continue to strengthen youth to effect positive social change in our community.”