Sports Minister Randy Horton praised Bermuda's returning Commonwealth Games team for being prepared to take on the best.

The Island sent 25 competitors to Manchester, England for the recently concluded Games and at a special reception held at the Mid Ocean Club last night, Minister Horton said: "Although we didn't get off the plane with any medals I think we got off with a high level of experience which will lead us to the next level of performance."

In a dig at those who maybe are afraid to test themselves outside of Bermuda for fear of being beat, Minister Horton said: "The only way to reach the top is to participate against the best in the world.

"I look around at athletes who sometimes think they are good, sometimes brag about how great they are. They really don't find out how good they are until they step out into the international arena.

"You athletes have done just that. You have stepped into an arena that is very challenging and very tough. It is not easy and if you are to do well it means you have to prepare, prepare, prepare."

He praised those who had taken their bodies beyond what it has been used to in the past.

"As I have followed the Games and watched the performances of all of the athletes in all of the areas the thing that I have noticed, and I think is very significant, is that everyone seemed to be able to do personal bests," he said. "There were lots of personal bests set at those Games. That in itself is an achievement."

He then challenged those present to build on that experience.

"What I would like to do is congratulate you, but more importantly to encourage you to march on, to encourage you to spend the time you need to spend with your coaches, to encourage you sometimes to go when it hurts," he said.

Being the best was all about commitment, Minister Horton said.

"Look at the world champions. Maybe their best friends have been going out one night to a party but they have had to stay at home or go to the diving board or get out there on the squash court or kick a ball if they were a soccer player," he said.

"It's a huge challenge and a huge sacrifice and I am just happy that there are people in our country that are prepared to make the sacrifice."