Bermuda’s struggling sports clubs received $935,000 in Government funding yesterday — money that will go towards upgrading facilities across the Island.

With no end in sight to Government’s multi-million dollar investment in local sports, Sports Minister Randy Horton insisted yesterday that the success of local sports clubs remains paramount to the maintenance of the Island’s social stability.

“Sports recreation and workmen clubs in Bermuda are the principle vehicles for the delivery of sporting programmes on the Island. In most cases they have played integral roles in our young people’s — particularly our young men’s lives,” Horton said.

“These monies will allow the clubs to upgrade their facilities for such things as the addition of changing rooms, improved bathrooms and additional lighting and other structural refurbishment.”

Government agreed to assist in the upgrading of local club facilities after a report was compiled and recommendations were made by a Clubs Commission formed two years ago by former Sports Minister Dale Butler and chaired by Rolfe Commissiong.

Cash-strapped Somerset Bridge Recreation Club benefited most from Government’s investment, receiving a total of $200,000 to go towards major renovations at the White Hill sports facility.

North Village Community Club received $85,000 that will be used to upgrade the playing field at Bernard Park and provide proper lighting at the Pembroke venue.

Somerset Cricket Club, Southampton Rangers Sports Club, Bermuda Athletic Association and Bailey’s Bay Cricket Club each received $75,000 that will also go towards upgrading playing fields and providing adequate changing rooms.

Willow Cuts Cricket Club were handed $75,000 for the reconditioning of Naval Field and a bathroom, while Devonshire Colts received $65,000 for mobile lights, a modular facility and a mini-van.

St.George’s Cricket Club, Devonshire Recreation Club and Hamilton Parish Workmen’s Club were each given $50,000 for upgrading changing rooms and the purchase of CCTV surveillance cameras.

St.David’s Cricket Club, Boulevard Community Club and Harrington Sound Workmen’s all received $20,000 that will be used to improve changing rooms, construct temporary storage and meeting space and purchase cricket gear.

Horton continued: “Clubs like these have played a vital role in our communities and I know that their positive contributions will be felt for many decades to come.”

He also urged the Island’s youth to become active participants in the various programmes local clubs have to offer.

“Look at the many successful athletes which the Island has cultivated over the years. Virtually all of their careers began via the affiliation with one of these clubs, some of whom have existed in our community for over a century,” Horton said. “Their role and continued success is crucial to the survival and sustainment of the social stability of our country. And we remain committed to assisting in the development of all sports clubs in Bermuda.” Speaking on behalf of his club and all of the other beneficiaries present at Cabinet building yesterday, North Village president Shervin Dill applauded Government for their financial assistance. “These grants will certainly help to improve our struggling facilities and enhance our sports programmes of development,” Dill said.

“It will also give our youth a better international and domestic exposure to competitions, better education and career opportunities and alternatives to anti-social behaviour.”