The Ministry of Social Development and Sports yesterday handed out $50,000 to 14 promising athletes as part of the National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of Social Development and Sports, made the presentation during a luncheon at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club attended by the recipients, parents, coaches and representatives from the island’s various national governing bodies.

Gavin Manders, the guest speaker and the island’s No 1 tennis player, a former recipient of the programme, was also on hand to offer words of encouragement to the youngsters.

“I am very pleased to be here today to witness 14 outstanding athletes to receive scholarships from the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation,” the Minister said.

“The goal of the programme is to provide encouragement and incentives to leading junior athletes who clearly show commitment, promise and achievement to their sport.

“I say to our young people well done and continue to stride to do you best in your chosen sport and the rewards will truly follow.”

Funds donated to the student athletes through their sports’ governing bodies ranged from $2,192 to $6,786 and will assist with their development and exposure at overseas events.

Golfer Kenneth Leseur was awarded $2,765 to compete at The Ledges Junior Classic and Shell Landing Junior Classic in Alabama, while basketballer Seth Hardtman received $3,947 to attend the World Hoop Summit in Philadelphia and Vanguard Elite Sports Training Programme in Atlanta.

Cricketer Jabari Darrell was awarded $2,500 to attend De Aston School in Lincolnshire, England, and rower Yannick Hillier $5,050 to compete in the World Junior Rowing Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.

Netballer Nabiilah Nasir was granted $3,416 to train with the Wasp Netball team in Coventry, while motocross rider Qur’an Raynor was awarded $6,786 to train at the DYE55 Motocross Camp in Florida.

Sailor Ahzai Smith received $3,383 to attend an overseas camp and compete in the IODA North American Championships in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico, and harness driver and equestrian Kiwon Waldron $3,315 to start an internship at the Silver Shoe Farm in Massachusetts.

Cyclist Kaden Hopkins has been granted $2,426 to receive testing and evaluations by Robbie Ventura of Vision Quest Coaching and also to compete in two events on the Tour of America’s Dairyland Race Series in the United States.

Swimmer Peyton Zelkin was awarded $3,622 to attend the Central American and Caribbean Championships in Aruba and runner Ashley Irby $2,703 to attend the Nike Clark Family Running Camp in Tarrytown, New York, and the High School Invitational Indoor track meet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Triathlete Caleb Ingham will receive $2,192 to purchase a new bike, hockey player Isabella Boonstra $3,795 to attend the Top Hockey Camp in Amsterdam and footballer Arnezha Astwood $4,100 to attend the Reading’s Academy in England.

“It is heartening to know there is so many different sports that our young people can engage in,” the Minister added.

“Exposure to a variety of sports is one step towards encouraging our youth to develop a passion for the sport of their choice, and for others recognising Bermudian junior athletes who have clearly demonstrated passion, commitment and achievement to their sport they are full of promise for greater things to come and I salute them all.”