The Bermuda Olympic Association’s Women in Sport committee held a banquet, at the Rosewood Tuckers point, to highlight achievements the island’s women have accomplished in their respective sports.

The sold out “Women in Formation” event hosted individuals from many of the National Sports Governing Bodies on island, with the Governor Rena Lalgie, and Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, also in attendance.

“This event met the WIS Committee's goal and objective of this being a learning activity and history of Bermuda's successful Women in Sport,” said Donna Raynor, chair of the Women in Sports committee. “We gave these women a platform to tell their stories of their journeys which have touched Bermuda and the world. Bermuda has a lot to be proud of.”

Presenters at the evening, whether virtual or live, were Dame Flora Duffy, Deborah Jones-Hunter, Katura Horton-Perinchief, Jessica Lewis, Lisa Blackburn, Judy Simons, Caitlin Conyers, Emma Keane, Emma Harvey, Heidi Mello, Natasha Trott, Patty Petty, and Raynor, who shared their personal stories and gave some valuable advice for the attendees.

Also Included in the programme was a jeopardy game centred around the different sporting governing bodies and a history game, which involved guests going around to visit all the tables in the room and attempting to identify each athlete.

The photos used were of past and current athletes including the likes of Annabelle Collins, Arantxa King, Caitlyn Bobb, Ceci Wolman, Debbie Jones-Hunter and the Tigerbelles, Erica Hawley, Hattie Ann Morisette, Jenny Smatt, Horton-Perinchief, Kiera Aitken, LeiLanni Nesbeth, Madelyn Moore, Naquita Robinson, Tara and Jackie Lambert and Tereza Perozzi.

“Flora told us to remember that anything is possible,” said Branwen Smith-King, BOA Secretary General in her closing remarks. “Katura reminded us that representation matters. Heidi enlightened us on what it took for her to become ‘world-class’ and the best-of-the-best in equestrian and show jumping.

“Jessica gave us the gem “plan the work and work the plan.” Donna took us on her journey of starting as a student-athlete and how her team-mates became her family and reminded us that there are no limitations to what you can achieve.

“Patty talked about how she got involved with the World Triathlon and how humbling her experience has been. Lisa prompted us to think about life after sports and that age is just a number. We should always empower others to reach their potential.

“Caitlin remarked that nothing is wasted and that everything is temporary and to always be proud of yourself and Natasha shared that we should always believe that you will be successful and never be afraid to break the glass ceiling.”