Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell, has hailed the transformative power of sport as the island joined global celebrations for the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.
Under the theme “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers,” the Department of Sport and Recreation showcased a multi-phased pathway that begins at the grassroots level and stretches to the pinnacle of elite international competition.
The celebrations emphasized the "Grassroots to Elite" pipeline, highlighting the Active Kids Academy and various school sports events that introduced hundreds of Bermudian students to the joy of movement.
"We have rugby today, I know there's going to be golf, there’s swimming, there’s pickleball," said Minister Owen Darrell. "So, we're really delighted that we can introduce our young sportsmen to different sports in this island. And as we say in the department: Sport Matters."
The Ministry outlined that Bermuda’s recent international successes—including those of Olympic champion Dame Flora Duffy—are "by design, not accident."
Through the Sports Investment Program (SIP) and the National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme, the government is actively bridging the gap between junior development and senior performance. These initiatives provide the financial and structural "fuel" needed for athletes to compete on the world stage.
The event also served as a reflection on the 44th Annual Sports Awards, honoring the current standard-bearers of Bermudian excellence:
Senior Athletes of the Year: Sebastian Kempe (Sailing) and Caitlyn Bobb (Athletics). Junior Athletes of the Year: Elijah Daley (Swimming) and Robin Selley (Archery). Legends of the Game: Special citations were noted for Devon Bean and Katura Horton-Perinchief for their continued work in the community "trenches."
From school playing fields to the podiums of the World Stage, the message from the Ministry was clear: by breaking barriers and building a healthier, more competitive Bermuda, the island continues to prove that sport is a vital tool for peace and social development.
