Show us the money - or more precisely, where it's going!

This, says Sports Minister Randy Horton, is what national sports organisations may be asked to do in future given concern over what's happening with Government funding to some sports bodies.

Expressing disappointment with the current overall standards in the national sports - cricket and soccer - he noted that, if returned to this portfolio should the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) win the election, he will hold Bermuda's sports governing associations to higher accountability for their annual allotments from the Budget.

"The national associations will have to be even more accountable for the funding we give. We are looking to give even more funding but the associations will have to be accountable to the people of Bermuda as to what progress they have made," declared Horton.

Accountability could even result in associations having to produce financial statements indicating where and how the money has been utilised.

"Yes, definitely, I think we need to see the financials (financial position) of any organisation that the Government is giving significant money to.

"If we think the money is not being used properly then I think it will be necessary to do that . . . and anytime we need to be shown I will expect them to. Once things are going all right and we're seeing the progress, we don't need to ask them," said the Minister, adding that at present organisations simply give the ministry verbal disclosure of what they are doing with the funds.

Turning attention specifically to cricket and soccer, he stated candidly that he would like to have seen "more of an improvement in the standards of play" and that though "it's difficult to point blame anywhere, we need to look for solutions".

"We are going to continue to be supportive of the Bermuda Football Association and the Bermuda Cricket Board as they attempt to improve standards. I think a huge part of it goes back to physical education in schools. The fact that we don't have the same level of physical education in schools (as before) has had some impact on where we are regarding our national sports.

"There's very little cricket played in schools and even the attention that's paid to soccer - look at the seriousness of it. Sports is serious and, unfortunately, in some circles it's not considered to be," continued Horton, adding that sports has been a vehicle for great achievements worldwide.

"There has got to be some serious looking inside as to how we are going to move forward."

The Minister also acknowledged turbulence within athletics fraternity and an accompanying decrease in the numbers representing the Island at top-level internationally.

"I am very concerned about athletics and the fact that we don't have as many people participating in athletics. I think we should have more. There's no question there has been some in-fighting in the athletics ranks and they need to get their act together.

"We have CARIFTA coming here (next year) and we don't need a divided body. The association and its affiliates have to sit down and hammer out their problems and what's holding back the association.

"Right now we have people saying they don't want to be a part of the BTFA (Bermuda Track & Field Association)," he said.

Horton suggested those who are disgruntled with the BTFA's operation should "get in and make a change" if they are committed to the sport, adding that the concerns of BTFA affiliates should also be addressed.

"Both sides have to be a little more flexible and think of the country and the athletes involved first. I am hopeful we can get over this hurdle."

By contrast, he complimented the strides being made in sports such as sailing, triathlon, cycling and golf, noting that youth appear to be thriving in these disciplines. Disclosing a plan to revive boxing if a second term as minister comes his way, Horton said this is another avenue which can attract mass participation among young people.

The PLP parliamentarian was adamant that, despite the problems within certain sports bodies, it is not the minister's place to get involved in internal matters.

"I am here to provide the support and, if necessary, the opportunity for help in terms of getting technical expertise.

"It's not my responsibility to run the associations . . . I think I have developed a good relationship with various associations but I am not about to go in and tell an association what they should do.

"That's the responsibility of the members of that association."