Sports Minister Randy Horton does not have enough fingers to list his ministry's achievements during his tenure.

However, as far as his opposite number is concerned, he doesn't need any fingers at all - because the Government has nothing to show in sport.

Cole Simons, who has shadowed Horton's portfolio for the United Bermuda Party, says the advertising campaign being run by the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) speaks volumes about what's not been done in sport because it fails to mention sport at all.

The minister quipped back that his ministry's accomplishments are so numerous they would require a separate advertisement - and he starts to list them.

The establishment of the National Sports Centre (NSC) and its new grand stand;

financial assistance to sports clubs for improved infrastructure

the implementation of sports management and coaching certification courses;

a Sports Hall of Fame;

more funding for athletes and sports associations;

successfully bidding to host 2004 CARIFTA.

"He (Simons) knows how much we did in sports and that's the reason he didn't debate me in the House for the Budget. He knows the progress we have made over the five years. It was a clear indication when they (the UBP) said they didn't want to debate the Youth & Sport portion of the Budget.

"We have given financial assistance to PHC for their capital development plans, including an upgraded, lighted field and modern clubhouse. We are helping Somerset Recreaction Club in developing a management and operations plan and in renovating their facilities and we are looking to continue in this vein by helping Western Stars Sports Club refurbish their property," said Mr. Horton, adding that the purchase and development of White Hill Field is also a serious consideration.

As for the NSC, he noted plans were unveiled for the multi-purpose complex in 1998-99 and by December 2001, the grandstand was delivered to the public.

"We are committed to completing the remaining phases of the current construction and we have set aside funds in the Budget for the completion of the pavilion, the multi-purpose hockey turf, netball courts, storage shed and fencing... That will be first and foremost if I am Sports Minister again."

He disclosed that on-site dormitories will be considered for the Frog Lane facility but cautioned this would have to be carefully examined so it proves a fruitful decision.

"There's an area near the stadium that is a possible opportunity for that and, if we can do that, it's something I would like to see happen."

Answering Simons' query of "where is the Sports Hall of Fame?", Horton said the PLP is well on the way with that initiative and that "by September we will have the first inductees".

That project, he explained, is part of a concerted effort to ensure present and future generations of Bermudians will know their sporting heroes and history. In keeping with that, he added, the recent rechristening of Government's tennis complex as the W.E.R Joell Tennis Stadium.

"The reason for that was to have our people appreciate the contributions Bermudians have made towards sport."

The minister also hailed the Government's part in the campaign to secure the Island's hosting of CARIFTA next year - the first time in more than 20 years.

Pledging a higher profile for sports overall and a results-oriented approach by that ministry, the Southampton West candidate committed himself to greater support for athletes.

"In the time we have been in office we have provided opportunities for our young people to move ahead... we have increased significantly the funding to elite athletes but I want it to be much more because if we want people to reach for higher standards then we must provide them with support."

Simons scoffed at Horton's assertions, saying the PLP "has not delivered anything substantive in the sports arena in the past five years" and has failed to produce a blueprint for sports.

"The people of this country should not be surprised that nothing was achieved. The PLP Government does not have a National Youth and Sports Development Plan. If they did they would have tabled it in Parliament and shared it with the people of Bermuda.

"There's no sports blueprint for this country; a blueprint which would guide the development of our young people.

"It is farcical to think this can just happen without a national road map which would include time lines, resources and the involvement of the stakeholders of all sports in Bermuda."

Promising a proactive approach by the UBP, the Smith's South candidate said his party would give sports due respect, starting with proper infrastructure via a new National Sports Commission.

"We in the UBP believe sports are a key ingredient in our community. They provide social stability and opportunities for growth and development."

The Opposition has also declared its intention to consider the establishment of a national sports lottery to fund sporting activities and development.