Government yesterday forked out $50,000 to help in the continued development of some of the Island?s future sports prospects at the Ministry of Sport?s ninth Annual Junior Athletic Sponsorship Luncheon at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel.

Gymnast Kalena Astwood, high jumper Latroya Darrell, golfer Jarryd Dillas, cyclist and triathlete Khamari Greaves, cricketer Stefan Kelly, sailor Jesse Kirkland, tennis player Gavin Manders, footballer Taurean Manders, squash player Laura Robinson, triathlete Coyatito Smith, equestrian Lindsay Sousa and swimmer Martin Wolfe were all recipients of this year?s sponsorship awards.

This year saw Government funding increase by 42.9 percent while the number of awardees also grew from eight last year to 12.

Praising both parents and junior athletes assembled in the audience, Sports Minister Dale Butler stated: ?Today?s mighty Oak is just yesterday?s little acorn that held its ground.

?Our young people are fortunate we have opportunity, numerous volunteers and very supportive parents . . . and I salute those parents who provide their services and support and encourage our young people.?

?To receive this contribution recipients have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence and commitment to their sport together with the potential and maturity to physically and emotionally benefit from being granted this recognition,? Butler added.

?There will be obstacles, the world is not perfect. But today is the first step on the long rocky road to success. Focus on your goals, open your mind to other forms of coaching and competition, and know that you have the support of your family, friends, Government and all of Bermuda as you go forward.?

Also in attendance at yesterday?s luncheon were Ministry of Sport officials and presidents of several of the Island?s sporting bodies.

Fifteen-year-old Bermuda High School gymnast Astwood received a total of $5,500 to be used for choreography coaching, the purchase of equipment and to offset costs to attend various training camps.

High jumper Darrell, the daughter of former professional boxer Troy Darrell, received $4,400 to help in the purchase of equipment and to travel to overseas track and field meets.

The 16-year-old CedarBridge Academy student captured a silver medal at last year?s Carifta games and is expected to again be in the hunt for top honours at next month?s regional Games to be held on local soil.

Aspiring professional golfer Dillas received $5,500, cyclist Greaves $5,200 while St.David?s? promising fast bowler Kelly was the recipient of $3,000. Kelly is presently in the UK attending Oakham School.

Optimist champion turned Laser Radial sailor Kirkland received $3,700 from the Ministry. Kirkland, flanked by Argentine coach Pablo Weber during yesterday?s presentation, was a runner-up at both the North American Championships and World Optimists Championships last year.

Bermuda?s Davis Cup member Gavin Manders received $3,000 to help finance travel to tennis camps overseas. Manders is currently attending the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy in South Carolina.

North Village footballer Manders, a cousin of Gavin?s, was also granted $3,000 to aid further development. Taurean represented Bermuda during the last Under-17 World Cup qualifying campaign and last December made his senior national debut against Barbados at the National Sports Centre.

Fifteen year-old female squash player Robinson was allocated $3,100, triathlete Smith $3,800, equestrian Smith $5,100 and 14-year-old swimmer Wolfe $4,300.