The Bermuda Government has committed more than $50,000 to assist towards the development of the island’s finest young athletes, with middle-distance runner Nirobi Smith-Mills becoming the latest recipient of the Dame Flora Duffy Award.

Smith-Mills, who represented Bermuda in the 800 metres at the Commonwealth Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games this summer, was one of the eight individuals to receive the government support at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.

Geraldine Sidders, of the Bermuda Sanshou Association, has already used part of the assistance to fund her participation in two tournaments overseas.

In June, she clinched gold at the Presidential Wushu Cup in Maryland, where Kaelin Cox also achieved the same success.

Last week, the 15-year-old competed at the Canadian Wushu National Championships in Waterloo, Ontario, where she narrowly missed out on the podium after finishing fourth in the Jianshu (straight sword) with a score of 8.223 and sixth in Changquan (longfist) with a score of 7.3.

“I’m really appreciative to receive this funding and it’s helped me with my growth going forward,” Sidders told The Royal Gazette.

“I received the money earlier and I just got back from the training camp. I got two gold medals in the United States and in Canada, I just missed out on the podium.

“The money will still be helpful to attend the Pan American Wushu Championships in Argentina in October.”

Z’Naz Jones, of the Bermuda Motocross Association, is planning to use the $3,210 for overseas training camps.

“I feel accomplished and achieved in myself because I’ve been riding motocross for 12 years now,” the 16-year-old said.

“I’ve just been putting in the work, training, racing and getting some trophies. I feel proud of myself because of what I accomplished over the years and how many trophies I've won.

“Now that I'm older, I feel like it will help me and develop me more and I’ll be more focused and the maturity level is higher.

“I’ll probably go to the United States and Canada for my training during the February break from school. I’m going out there to ride and to get some physical work.”

Bermuda men’s hockey player Isaac Davis is using his $3, 435 award for a trip to Amsterdam, Netherlands, where he will get a chance to work on his skills.

“I’m just super grateful that I was picked for this scholarship and to be able to have the opportunity to improve my skill and better myself,” the Somersfield Academy student said.

“I’m going to Netherlands next Friday for a residential training camp where I will play hockey every day and hopefully, improve and get better at the sport.

Marcus Rodrigues is keen to improve his volleyball skill, both indoor and beach. The 19-year-old was awarded $4,268.

“This funding will help me build my skills and develop myself,” he said.

“I’m really thankful to my coaches, family and everyone around me for pushing me to do the best that I can.

“I’m just trying to represent Bermuda in the best way possible, so I’m looking to go to future tournaments.”

Kim Wilkerson, the acting sports minister, mentioned that the financial assistance was part of the government's efforts to equip the island’s rising sports stars with the skills they need to develop.

“Through the National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme, we are supporting more than athletic performance,” Wilkerson said.

“We are encouraging personal growth, leadership, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. This year, $50,000 has been allocated through the Junior National Athlete Sponsorship Programme to assist our talented junior athletes as they continue their development.

“This investment reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to helping our young people access the opportunities and experiences. These will allow them to compete and succeed at higher levels.

“We also pleased to once again present the Dame Flora Duffy Award, a special honour that celebrates exceptional potential and achievement.

“Now in its fifth year, this $10,000 award pays tribute to one of Bermuda’s greatest sporting icons, while providing meaningful support to an emerging athlete inspired to follow in her footsteps.”