Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games athletes were applauded and wished well by the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports in the House of Assembly this morning.

Wayne Scott told Parliament there was “growing anticipation that one or more of our athletes will medal” at the Games, being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3.

“We know that our athletes will give their all in Glasgow,” Mr Scott said.

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I wish great success to the entire Bermuda delegation of athletes, officials and medical personnel under the leadership of the Chef de Mission, Stanley Douglas.”

Eighteen athletes have met the qualifying standards in six different sports — athletics, cycling, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, squash and triathlon.

Mr Scott paid tribute to the Bermuda Olympic Association for preparing the squad.

“I wish to take this opportunity to salute Bermuda Olympic Association president Judy Simons, secretary general Philip Guishard, and the entire Bermuda Olympic Association for their fine work in organising and supporting our athletes as they prepare for competition.”

Mr Scott said he was due to attend a meeting of Commonwealth Sports Ministers on July 21. He will be accompanied by his permanent secretary, Wayne Carey.

Topics to be discussed include sport for development and peace, major games as a platform for social and economic development, and integrity in sport, as well as an update on the upcoming Games in Glasgow.

This will be the 16th Commonwealth Games in which Bermuda will compete. Island athletes have won five medals in previous Games — one gold, two silver and two bronze.

Mr Scott is optimistic the Island can add to that tally.

He said: “Bermuda can take great pride in the superlative performances of our athletes recently.

“At the Central American and Caribbean Junior Championships in Morelia, Mexico, our track and field athletes won two gold medals and two bronze medals. Then our swimmers excelled at the Caribbean Islands Swimming Championships in Barbados, winning 27 medals in total.”