Promising young athletes Danielle Watson and Richard Walcott (pictured above) were named the outstanding female and male athletes of the year during the Bermuda Pacers Track Club's Awards Banquet.

Other age group awards were presented to Venicia Raynor and Roger Lee Jr. in the eight year age group, Tonea Perinchief and Tre Harold Houston in the 9-10, Latroya Darrell and Edmeiko Butterfield in the 11-12 divison, Watson and Jeremy Shrubb in the 13-14, Raneika Bean and Walcott in the 15-16 group and Janine Scott and Gabriel Wilkinson in the 17-18 category.

American Mort Diamond, founder of the East Coast Invitational Track Meet and president of the Maryland Track and Field Development Association, spoke on having the "keys to the Mint'' -- which means the athletes must keep a positive self-esteem in order to reach their goals.

Also on hand to address the more than 200 athletes, parents and friends was Bermuda's Commonwealth gold medal winner Clarance (Nicky) Saunders. The former world ranked high jumper challenged the youngsters to stay focused and set goals.

The most exciting part of the evening had to be when 50 to 60 young athletes received their trophies and certificates from either Diamond or Judy Simmons, president of the Bermuda Track and Field Association. Simmons also presented Diamond with the Spirit of Leadership Award for his contribution towards developing Bermuda's junior athletes. She also presented the President Emerald Edge Award to the Pacers Track Club for their contribution to the development of young athletes for the past 18 years. For many years they have been taking teams abroad to the East Coast Invitational.

Sports minister Dennis Lister encouraged the Pacers Club to continue the outstanding work they have done in developing young athletes.

Appreciation awards were presented to Mr and Mrs Larry Hunt, Robert Oliver, Roger Lee and Steven Powell.

ATHLETES ATH