Young Bermudian athletes and coaches have been reaped a series of sponsorship awards from the Bermuda Government.

Almost $250,000 has been handed out to help athletes with their eyes on a professional career.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said at the recent National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme Awards ceremony that $246,000 had been provided for the island’s “brightest talents”.

A total of 24 elite athletes, 11 junior athletes and six coaches received funding to assist in their athletic pursuits at the awards, held last week.

“Government is committed to investing more in our elite athletes,” Mr Darrell said.

“As such, the Department of Sport and Recreation has significantly increased funding for the Elite Athlete Sponsorship from $87,000 to just under $188,000 this fiscal year.

“This demonstrates our commitment to building a pathway to excellence for any athlete seeking to pursue sport on a professional level.”

Mr Darrell added that more than $49,000 in funding was presented to junior athletes and coaches, while two Bermudians received the $10,000 Flora Duffy Award to support their athletic endeavours.

“It was important that we presented these awards together because it showed our junior athletes how Government can assist athletes during their sporting journey,” he said.

“This kind of recognition speaks to our National Sports Policy goals, in particular, fostering a thriving sporting community where every young person has the chance to realise their full potential.”

Mr Darrell praised the junior award recipients for their exceptional dedication and perseverance.

“When balancing academics, sports, the arts, or community service, these young individuals have set a high standard for their peers,” he said.

“I believe with the proper investment, which is what we are doing, our young people can reach that next step to achieving their professional ambitions in football, cricket, swimming, athletics, cycling — or the triathlon can become a reality.”