The Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA), in partnership with the North America, Central America, and Caribbean (NACAC) Association, successfully hosted a landmark Gender Diversity and Inclusion Conference and Banquet titled “Equity in Motion” this past weekend.
The event, generously hosted at Grotto Bay, welcomed 21 international delegates representing 12 countries.
The conference opened with a scenic walk along Bermuda’s railway trails, a memorable start for the visiting delegates. This was followed by a series of engaging and well-attended workshops for both local and international participants, facilitated by experienced professionals.
The workshops included:
“Engaging Young Girls in Sports” – Led by Katura Horton-Perinchief, Jarita Vickers, and Ayanna Morgan (BAR), this session examined the key barriers and contributing factors behind young girls’ disengagement from sport.
“Safeguarding” – Facilitators Mia Bean, Branwen Smith-King, and David Horan guided participants through the broader scope of safeguarding, with emphasis on addressing the challenges small communities face when conversations focus solely on sexual abuse.
“Coaching & Officials” – Shona Palmer, Devon Bean, and Dr. Wendy Truvillion (USA) explored the obstacles limiting women’s advancement in coaching and officiating roles and discussed achievable pathways forward.
“Leadership & Inspiration” – Donna Raynor, Cydonie Mothersill (CAY), Edith Skippings (TKS), and Gloria Ramos (ESA) shared their personal leadership journeys, reflecting on challenges they encountered and the strategies that supported their success.
The day concluded with a plenary session summarizing the key takeaways from all workshops, reinforcing the event’s commitment to advancing gender equity in sport across the region.
The evening culminated in a vibrant banquet attended by nearly 100 guests, including several promising young Bermudian athletes. The program featured remarks from BOA President Peter Dunne, a message read on behalf of NACAC President Mike Sands, and welcoming comments from Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Owen Darrell, and Minister of Ageing and Disability Services Tinee Furbert, who were both in attendance.
Keynote speaker Asafa Powell, Jamaican elite sprinter, delivered an inspiring address centered on the ongoing disparities in recognition and opportunity between women and men in track and field, particularly in the 100m.
“We still have a long way to go for gender equality in all sports,” Powell stated, reaffirming his commitment to helping bridge the gap.
A highlight of the banquet was a surprise presentation by World Athletics (WA) Council Members Cydonie Mothersill and Donna Raynor, who awarded the WA Award of Merit to Vilma Charlton for her decades of service to Jamaican track and field. Charlton, who had been unable to attend the Tokyo ceremony, received a heartfelt ovation.
Demonstrating the spirit of solidarity, Mia Bean presented a $4,000 contribution — raised through ticket sales — to Asafa Powell for donation to the Jamaica Relief Fund, acknowledging his commitment to travel and speak despite the difficult situation at home.
BOA Executive Member Donna Raynor closed the evening by extending appreciation to the event’s sponsors: Olympic Solidarity, Pan Am Sports, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Grotto Bay, NACAC, and the Bermuda Olympic Association.
“Equity in Motion” stands as a powerful and purposeful gathering, reaffirming regional commitment to advancing gender diversity and inclusion in sport.
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