Organisations Unite to Encourage Mathematics

November 15, 2019, Hamilton, Bermuda – On November 15, Bermuda’s primary and middle school students were treated to a fun 1-hour math directed event designed to encourage math education: the 2019/2020 Mathathon. Bermuda Institute was the first school to host the event.

Nine organisations have united to bring the Mathathon to twenty-seven schools over the next five months. RG Kids and Planet Math are leading the initiative together with Presenting Sponsor, Welch’s Juice Company. Additional Supporting Sponsors include Aspen, BELCO, One Communications, Renaissance Re and Validus Re. Impact Mentoring Academy is the initiative’s Charitable Partner.

“The Welch’s Juice Company along with its local distributor, John Barritt & Son Ltd are pleased to sponsor this special educational initiative,” said General Manager, Bruce Barritt. “Both companies are Family Owned enterprises which recognize the importance of lifelong learning and we wish all the participants great success.”

In total, 348 students will directly take part in 29 planned Mathathons as panel participants during special school assemblies. Hundreds more students will be present as audience members. The goal is to inspire as many students as possible to enjoy and not fear math. As a result, they might be further encouraged to pursue mathematics as part of their studies.

Michael Grier, Commercial Director of Bermuda Press Holdings Ltd (parent company for RG Kids) comments on the new initiative, “When Planet Math approached us with this idea, we saw a tangible opportunity to do good in Bermuda’s schools. Math education has immense benefits. Students that embrace the subject have many doors opened to them.

“We are so pleased that six Sponsors have come aboard. Their backing makes it possible to apply resources to execute the 29 Mathathons. We’re very thankful for their support.”

Kevin Warner, Founder of Planet Math, speaks of the Mathathon vision: “Growing students’ confidence and changing the narrative that learning mathematics can be a fun and engaging experience is our vision at Planet Math. The Mathathons will create the opportunity for students to showcase their math aptitude in a fun and interactive setting. With attractive prizes from Welch’s to be rewarded to each participant, and the roll-out of our enthusiastic mascot, the Mathathon will place a positive light on the math culture and support our commitment to making math more meaningful.”

The Mathathon format allows for each school to select twelve students to participate. These twelve students are divided into two teams of six. During an hour-long special assembly, questions will be asked to each contestant for points. Participating children and those in the audience will learn and feel supported by professional math tutors and the powerful mind of ‘Math Man’ who will be supporting the host in creating a fun event. All twelve students will receive prizes.

For more information on the 2019/2020 Math-A-Thon, including the current
schedule, please visit: https://rgmags.com/mathathon