By Gareth Finighan

Bermuda could punch well above its weight at future sporting events following the creation of a programme that will help athletes perform successfully “at the highest competitive levels”.

Unveiling the National Sports Policy in the House of Assembly this morning, Community, Culture and Sport Minister Wayne Scott said the initiative would “establish a solid foundation for the development of sport and recreation” on the Island.

The policy will be used to formulate an action plan identifying short, medium and long-term goals over the next six years.

“The National Sports Policy seeks to engage sports organisations to work in partnership toward the goal of sporting success in all areas such as expanding on community participation, health and well-being, early recognition and development of sporting talent, training and respect for coaches, volunteers and administrators,” Mr Scott said, adding that scheme also aimed to enhance Bermuda’s reputation both as a sporting nation and for hosting world class international events.

“The policy envisages a Bermuda where sport and recreation ignites the passion of our people to participate, to express pride and to attract tourists to our shores; where our athletes perform honourably, consistently and successfully to the extent of their abilities and interest and at the highest competitive levels in a dynamic, structured, technology-infused sporting environment,” Mr Scott said.

“To achieve this vision the policy identifies two national outcomes that need to be addressed — increased participation and improved performance.

“In order to expand and sustain Bermuda’s sporting infrastructure four national priorities have been identified — our people, our organisations, our facilities, and our athletes.”

Mr Scott said that the policy was intended to provide overall direction and guidance to the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, other Government departments, and other external stakeholders concerned with the areas of promotion, advancement and participation in sport and recreation in Bermuda.

“For the vision and outcomes to be fulfilled, all residents of Bermuda must embrace the policy and see themselves as playing a role in implementing the action plan that is being developed by the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation,” he said.

“Sport is inextricably linked to culture. Here in Bermuda we frame much of our social activity around sports and recreation. This defines us as a people. I can speak with first hand knowledge about how participation in sports brings people together.”

Electronic copies of the policy will be available for viewing on the Bermuda Government website, the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports website, and the Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation website. Hard copies of the National Sports Policy will be available for reference only at the Bermuda national library by the end of next week.