Next week’s Bermuda Day Parade will serve as a celebration of all things sport, according to the minister in charge of the portfolio.

Nandi Outerbridge, Minister of Social Development and Sports, said that the theme of this year’s event — Our Sporting Heritage — will act as recognition of the important role sport plays within the community.

“More than simply a past-time for children, sport has always been an opportunity for demonstrating determination, teaching teamwork, and exemplifying excellence,” the One Bermuda Alliance MP said.

Heather Whalen, director of the department, said that this year’s theme serves to not only highlight the America’s Cup, but also to work in tandem with the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

“It was our opportunity to not only focus on various aspects of sports, but to also highlight our maritime heritage,” she said.

The upcoming parade was one of a number of Heritage Month activities touched upon by Ms Outerbridge at a press conference this morning. Other highlighted events included guitar and piano festivals, art show openings, and historical lectures, among others.

Ms Outerbridge also offered congratulations to the recent winner of the inaugural Quest for the Best song competition won by local artist Cush Evans for his song ‘Run Road’.

The route for this year’s parade was also discussed.

It will move along Marsh Folly Road through to Cedar Avenue. It will then take a left onto Church Street, before taking a right on Court Street, and a subsequent right onto Front Street, before ending up on Queen Street.

The event will also include a mid-parade ‘party’ featuring the Passion Bermuda soca truck, and will be closed by a familiar group.

“This year the Gombeys have requested that they return to close out the parade, as was traditional in the past,” Ms Outerbridge said.

For Bermudians abroad — or simply unable to attend in person — the parade will be livestreamed.

“Bermudians can gather and have their Bermuda Day party wherever they are in the world, yet still feel connected to home,” Ms Outerbridge said.

Carlita Lodge, cultural affairs programme manager with the department, said a partnership with Bermemes for a forthcoming video campaign will try to encourage younger islanders to take part in the event.

“There was some stories they wanted to tell, and some stories we wanted to support them telling,” Ms Lodge said.

The main focus of the partnership, she said, was “on getting younger participants and younger interest in our cultural heritage”.