Bermuda's latest sporting heroes have picked up cash awards from the Government to help them develop their athletic prowess.

Pan Am Games medal winners MJ Tumbridge, who picked up gold in the three-day equestrian event, and sailors Sara Lane Wright and Malcolm Smith, who both won silver medals in the overall competition, were all presented with cheques by Youth, Sports and Development Minister Dennis Lister at a luncheon at the Hamilton Princess Hotel yesterday afternoon.

Ms Tumbridge was awarded $7,500 from the Government's athletic assistance fund, while Ms Lane Wright and Mr. Smith each received $4,500.

Before yesterday's lunch presentation, all the athletes who represented Bermuda in last month's Pan Am Games -- the most successful sporting event in Bermuda's history -- were invited to the Cabinet Office where they were individually introduced to Premier Jennifer Smith.

They then travelled through the streets of Hamilton by train to City Hall where they were presented with certificates by the Premier. In front of a crowd of well-wishers, families and friends, Ms Smith congratulated each athlete individually for their part in the championships.

Following the public ceremony, a motorcade whisked the sporting stars off to a private lunch at the Hamilton Princess.

After yesterday's celebrations Bermuda's golden girl said: "To be honest it's like winning the gold medal all over again.'' "Just when you think you're coming down you get days like this,'' Ms Tumbridge said.

"I would just like to thank everybody for their support. It's so nice to be able to celebrate this with everyone and that's something that hasn't been done in the past -- it was just a fantastic feeling.

"Today I felt like a queen. I sat in a convertible and was paraded through the town to wave at all these people.'' Ms Tumbridge also gave credit to her winning mount, the aptly named Bermuda's Gold, who carried her to victory during the championships.

"What a fantastic horse,'' she said. "I thought she could win it and without her we wouldn't have won it.''