Para-athlete Jessica Lewis and cyclist Conor White picked up the two most significant accolades at the National Sports Awards on Saturday night.

At an event organised by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club, Lewis won the Female Athlete of the year honour after she claimed an exceptional hat-trick by winning gold in the T53 100 metres at the Parapan Am Games in Santiago, Chile.

Lewis, 30, stormed to victory in 16.71 sec, to shatter her own Parapan Am Games record of 17.36sec, successfully defending titles previously won in Toronto in 2015 and Lima in 2019.

The para-athlete was also one of the recipients of the Female Senior Achievement Award, together with swimmer Emma Harvey, footballer LeiLanni Nesbeth and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade from the sport of boccia.

Lewis credited her success last year to working with new coach Geoff Harris, who represented Canada in the 800 metres at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The Bermudian, who is trying to qualify for the Paris Paralympics, has set up camp at the Canadian Sports Institute Pacific in Victoria, British Columbia.

“Wow, what an honour this is,’’ Lewis said. “My life changed completely last year with a switch in coaches and then moving across the country to Victoria BC, all in pursuit of trying to make this 68lbs woman move a bit faster so I can represent Bermuda to the best of my ability.

“To be able to share the world of para sport with you all has been a true pleasure. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this recognition.

“I'm now working hard on the path to qualifying for my fourth Paralympic Games in Paris.

“I’ll be competing at the World Championships in Kobe, Japan in May, then Switzerland, Paris and Montreal in June to secure a spot or the high-performance standard.

“Thank you again to all the incredible people I have in my corner.”

White was rewarded for winning bronze medals in the time-trial at the Central American and Caribbean Games in El Salvador, as well as the Pan Am Games in Chile. The medal in Chile was the first for the island at the Pan Am Games since triathlete Dame Flora Duffy claimed bronze in Toronto in 2015.

He also achieved a gold medal at the Caribbean Cycling Championships in Guadeloupe.

White, who is in Spain preparing for a new season, saluted all those who played a part in his success. He had earlier on been named as one of the Male Achievement winner, where he was recognised with athlete Dage Minors, triathlete Tyler Smith and cricketer Kamau Leverock.

“It is such an honour to win this award,’’ White said. “Though I’m not there in person, please know that I'm deeply grateful to receive this recognition.

“Although I'm the one being recognised for this award, there are so many people and organisations that have helped me and supported me to get to this point.

“I want to thank the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with the Bermuda Olympic Association. Your unwavering support and commitment to nurturing athletic talent has provided not just me, but countless athletes with invaluable optimism to represent Bermuda on the global stage.

“I want to thank the Bermuda Bicycle Association, thank you for being the driving force behind the growth and development of cycling in Bermuda.

“Your dedication to the sport helps not just me, but it’s also elevated Bermuda’s presence on the global cycling community.

“I want to give special thank you to Peter Dunne, you have been at the forefront of my development as a cyclist. You are the backbone of cycling in Bermuda, whether it’s supporting us at international competitions or running the junior cycling programmes, your consistent presence is truly invaluable.

“I want to give a deep thank you to my parents, grandparents, sisters and the entire family. Your encouragement, sacrifice and belief in my dreams have propelled me forward and I’ll be grateful for your support.

“To everyone else who’s supported me along the way, thank you. Thank you Bermuda for giving me the opportunity to wear that pink and blue jersey, and representing our beautiful island.

“Going forward, I promise to represent myself, the sport of cycling and Bermuda to the best of my ability.”

Sailing dominated the Junior Athlete of the Year Award, as Sebastian Kempe picked up the male prize for the second year in a row, with Rachael Betschart the winner of the female category. Kempe and Betschart also got recognition in the Junior Achievement Award.

Levereock, who recently announced his retirement from representing Bermuda internationally was one of the double winners on the night after adding the Minister’s Award for male cricketer. Chantal Oosthuizen won the female cricketer’s accolade.

The late Marco Warren won the Minister’s Award for male footballer, with the female prize going to Jya Ratteray-Smith.

Former cricketers, Allan Douglas Snr and Dexter Basden received Sports Citation Awards with Keith Smith from golf. Sailing’s Leatrice Oatley and McKeisha Smith of sailing were presented with Special Achievement awards.

In the Team of the Year, the female award went to Naquita Robinson’s football side, while cricket picked up the male prize.

The under-17 4×100 relay team, which won a bronze medal at the Carifta Games, footballer Reggie Lambe and the island’s SSL Gold Cup side were presented with Special Recognition awards.