Bermuda’s Olympic athletes were given the backing of the sports minister during a training session recently.

Owen Darrell, formally the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, visited the National Sports Centre on Friday to meet with swimmers Jack Harvey and Emma Harvey, who are members of Bermuda’s 2024 Paris Olympic Team.

Earlier, the two athletes, along with sailor Adriana Penruddocke, presented the sports minister with official Team Bermuda Paris Olympic pins during a visit to the Cabinet Office.

“We are so excited about the upcoming Paris Olympics and the amazing sports talent that will be representing Bermuda,” Darrell said.

“It was important for me to demonstrate my support for Team Bermuda and we were pleased to welcome a few members of the team to the Cabinet Office grounds to extend our best wishes to them.

“I’m of the view that the Olympic Games are an occasion which brings out the best in people. It’s an occasion where we unite as a country and demonstrate national pride in our athletes.

“It was such a great feeling watching Emma and Jack train, and having our young people there to witness this was just inspiring for all of us. Bermuda has had a difficult and solemn week, so being able to embrace our Olympic athletes and share this moment with our youth was heartfelt for me.

“We are less than two weeks away from the Olympic Games and our government has invested significantly in our elite athletes. We’ve let them know that they are supported.

“My hope is that all of Bermuda will cheer on Jack and Emma and all our athletes, including our Olympic champion Flora Duffy. Our athletes continue to shine on the world stage, and we are so proud of all their achievements.”