The government yesterday tabled a new five-year National Sports Policy which aims to lay the foundation for greater long-term success domestically and internationally.

Addressing the Senate, Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, laid out the policy, fulfilling the commitment made in the Throne Speech delivered by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, on behalf of the ruling Progressive Labour Party administration in November of last year.

Within the policy, five primary goals have been established including to increase participation, achieve sporting excellence regionally, improve access to sporting facilities, increase the value of sport and establish a framework for talent development.

To achieve those aims, specific objectives have been set within each category, including the aim of improving public awareness of athletes, teams and Government’s commitment to sport, increase free training access to the National Sports Centre for athletes competing in international competitions, increase the participation of children, women, persons with disabilities and persons from underrepresented groups and lastly to establish a high-performance framework.

“By achieving these outcomes, the Government looks to solidify its commitment to Bermuda sport,” Peets said in his address. “We aim to make communities stronger through sport and physical activity, from grass roots right up to the pinnacle of elite competition.

“However, we cannot deliver this policy in isolation. Central to the achievement of the Policy goals will be our National Sports Governing Bodies, the Bermuda Olympic Association, the National Sports Centre, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and other key partnerships.

“The combined use of the expertise, knowledge and insight of this sporting fraternity will be essential for the successful implementation of the Policy.

“The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation will be responsible for the implementation of the policy and will work collaboratively with the stakeholders and the wider community to champion the role sport can play in engaging Bermudians regardless of race, gender, physical and cognitive disability and economic status.

“Before closing, I must stress that this is a five-year policy. Our aim is to strengthen our foundation so that in the longer term we can take Bermuda’s sporting achievements to even greater heights. But we must start with a solid bedrock first.

“I believe this Sports Policy achieves this and will set a springboard for future years to yield even further success.”