Bermuda needs a comprehensive national sports agenda that features equitable funding for all sports, according to the UBP's Jon Brunson.

Mr. Brunson, Shadow Minister of Youth, Sport and Recreation, tabled a motion asking the House of Assembly to take note of the idea.

Introducing it, he pointed out that around $40 million has been spent on cricket, soccer and the redevelopment of Port Royal golf course in recent times.

However, he questioned why, with high profile reports already completed examining the future of education, drugs and traffic, there is no sport "masterplan."

This, he said, would examine the issues of leadership, funding and venues and give a timescale by which aims should be achieved.

Greater direction, together with closer cross-ministry working could, he said, lead to success in tackling issues from underachieving school students to the obesity epidemic.

Presently, he complained, there is a "patchwork, reactive Band Aid" approach to the sports agenda.

Among the developments he would like to see are an increased focus on the type of sports students are exposed to when they go to study in North America.

He also floated the idea of re-looking at having a sports lottery to finish the National Stadium.

Responding, Minister of the Environment and Sports Elvin James said there are already sporting opportunities for every youngster, a strategy in place called Developing Youth and Sport plus a five- to ten-year strategic plan for sport.

His ministry is working on developing non-traditional sports and after-school programmes, and the current strategic plans have already proved fruitful, he said.

He denied that there was a piecemeal approach to funding, telling the House that every national sport funding body is invited to engage in discussions and submit a funding plan before the budget is decided.

"I've not had anyone grumble yet with the monies that we're funding," he said.

The Minister also revealed a number of new developments, including a standard kit including ties, tracksuits and blazers for all national-level sportsmen and women.

Access will, in future, be provided to three Government golf courses for young people to train in that discipline instead of them going to Florida on scholarships to combine golf learning and education.

The Minister said there are currently six young persons in Florida paying $40,000 in tuition fees every year for such opportunities.

"Yes, we recognise the importance of sport on this Island and the importance of sport with our young people and through the Department of Education we recognise that we can turn the social fabric of this Island around by using sport," he told the House.