IN news rooms here, Europe and the USA, August is often referred to as the 'silly season'.

It derives from the fact that little of significance happens during the hottest month of the year – many take their vacation, Parliament is in recess and politicians generally take a break from their usual business (although that might not have been the case this year as three MPs battle for PLP leadership).

If it wasn't for the gunslinging gangsters who have turned Somerset something akin to the Wild West, there wouldn't be a whole lot to report on.

In sport it's slightly different – in fact the complete opposite.

August is normally a month when the out-of-school/college students get chance to demonstrate their skills both here and overseas, cricket is in full swing, football teams begin preparing for a new season and sports clinics can be seen at a number of fields.

A reflection of these activities has never been so evident than during the last few weeks, particularly on foreign soil where Bermudians have achieved some exceptional results.

An Under-19 rugby team returned to the Island from Bahamas holding aloft the Caribbean Championship trophy and earlier a national squash squad comprised of mainly young players came back as Caribbean champions.

At the Olympic Youth Games in Singapore, Jeneko Place sprinted into the final of the 200 metres – the same event and same Games in which current world record holder Usain Bolt made his mark a few years ago.

Those Games also saw talented young sailor Owen Siese challenge for a medal in the Byte Class right up to the final day's racing when he eventually finished sixth.

On the penultimate day of the regatta, against the top 29 Byte sailors in the world, he was just one place out of the bronze medal.

In Netherland Antilles, Bermuda's Under-13 tennis players, the defending champions, retained their Caribbean title. Best in the region in their age group - not bad!

And in Dupont, Washington, golfer Terence Daniels, one of few locals ever to qualify for the US Amateur Championships, did his best to conquer the monster Chambers Bay course, eventually missing the cut.

If there's ever been any doubt that Bermuda's youngsters couldn't compete overseas, it's been dispelled throughout this month.

Much has changed in the last five or six years, mainly because of the various sports programmes, often run by volunteers.

The question now is whether they can further develop this extraordinary talent and carry it to the next level.

And will they be given the means to progress?

That hasn't always happened in the past.

As noted in a recent column, it's nearly always the individual athletes who outperform those in teams.

Except for the success of the Under-19 rugby squad, it's been the same story over the last few weeks.

If their performances haven't persuaded Government and sponsors that their money could be better invested in these young athletes, then nothing will.

It's worth noting that the upcoming Commonwealth Games in India, Bermuda will be represented by two track and field athletes (long jumper Tyrone Smith and sprinter Tre Houston), three swimmers (Kiera Aitken, Roy-Allan Burch, Nick Thompson), squash player Nick Kyme, shooters Ross Roberts and Sinclair Raynor and maybe tennis players Gavin Manders and Jackie Lambert.

To be fair, there are only three team sports – Rugby Sevens, netball and gymnastics.

It's unlikely that any of the above will find a way to the podium. But in future Games there's every chance that the Bermuda flag will be hoisted during a medal presentation . . . if athletes are given the necessary support.

– ADRIAN ROBSON