United Bermuda Party MP Charlie Swan backed Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney's move to make sailing a national sport.

Mr Swan told the House of Assembly on Friday that sailing is a sport "dear to my heart" which has been part of Bermuda's history since it was discovered.

Last week, Mr Blakeney told Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association he is committed to designating sailing a national sport, following complaints that Government reduced its funding in recent years.

Mr Swan says he raised such a suggestion during his time as a senator two years ago. On Friday, he said during the Motion to Adjourn: "Anything to do with the water is one of the greatest forms of relaxation and therapy that I can acknowledge and recommend."

The Southampton West Central MP also said tennis and golf should get special recognition because of their natural affinity to Bermuda.