during the Junior Athletes Sponsorship Programme Awards luncheon at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess yesterday.

And as the title indicates there was a fair share of cold, hard cash doled out, with some $20,000 distributed among various governing bodies for the purpose of aiding in the further development of the athletes.

Leading the pack, in terms of dollars, was top female tennis player Zarah DeSilva, who had $3,500 placed in the hands of Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association for the purpose of attending an international federation camp, as well as to assist with travel expenses during her participation in tournaments on the satellite circuit.

DeSilva recently reached the final of the Winter Wonders Championship in Florida, where she lost to Teodora Miric while battling flu symptoms.

Rayman Butterfield and the Bermuda Equestrian Federation pocketed a cool $3,350, with the funds designated for transportation costs associated with the young equestrian's need to shuttle his mount between Toronto and Florida as he attempts to qualify for the North American Young Riders competition.

Butterfield is currently training at the Kingsride Stables and competing on the Florida Horse Show circuit with his horse Quidango . He is due to return to Toronto later in the spring to continue performing on the Canadian circuit.

Reigning Under-17 CARIFTA Games shot putt silver medallist Brittany Marshall and Bermuda Track and Field Association were awarded $3,150 in order for Marshall to take part in the Canadian National Junior Championships, as well as attend an MF Athletic Camp for young throwers. Marshall, the daughter of Bermuda national cricket team captain, Charlie Marshall, is due to travel to Barbados next month in defence of her CARIFTA Games title.

Ashley Robinson-Roberts and Tyler Butterfield each had $3,000 accepted by the Bermuda Triathlon Association and Bermuda Bicycle Association respectively.

Super seven rewarded From Page 17 Butterfield will have the funds designated towards purchasing the Computrainer Training System and Power Cranks equipment to aid in his progression towards major competition at events such as the Commonwealth and CAC Games.

Robinson-Roberts can now plan on attending an approved overseas training camp, as well as travel to the British National Triathlon Championships.

Top young swimmer Roy-Allan Burch and golfer Aaron James were offered $2,000 apiece.

Saltus student Burch has shown remarkable talent as a sprint specialist, breaking six age group records in 2000 alone. The money received by the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association on his behalf will be used to send Burch to a two week dorm camp at Pine Crest in Florida.

James, seeking to become a professional golfer, will have the money provide for private sports psychology sessions during the course of his studies at the Bollettieri Sports Academy in Florida.

Sports Minister Dennis Lister noted his pleasure at seeing such a "broad dispersal of athletes and sports'' highlighted, and praised the commitment shown by their parents in keeping the youths involved in the various programmes.

Roy-Allan Burch: Expenses paid for a swim camp overseas.