Extending my trip to Bermuda for a week, due to business matters, afforded me time to take in the Charity Cup matches in St. George's on Sunday.

So this week I want to pass on some advice to the young players and athletes who are breaking into the game. Watching both women and men play in the Charity Cup, I saw to my surprise a number of young, talented players taking part.

I saw their excitement and courage as some had entered the field for the first time. I saw their skill but also their maturity spring forward.

My advice to all young athletes is that by playing a sport comes a responsibility.

I first will warn you, do not settle for that one article in the newspaper and think you have arrived, do not feel if you have that one good game that all is completed and over, do not sit back and feel the journey is over when there is so much to strive for, never get lost in the moment when many more moments are in front of you, do not think your sacrifices are ones that are made just for yourself, but note that many will benefit from them.

My young athletes breaking into sport, I want you to understand that your responsibility is great, not only are you developing to be a great athlete but a good role model. Your present job in this time is to leave the greatest impression every time you step out there. Remember you are being watched by many, so the way you carry yourself has an important effect on where your sport will go. Remember that you now have the responsibility of laying the best stepping stones for the ones behind you, that there were many legends before you that had given you this opportunity and created this great platform for you to entertain. Let no one come and take this away.

I want you understand that you will not be alone in this journey as everyone will be willing to help in your success, if you know your role and respect what was here before you.

You are a special group, you have the talent, the courage and you carry no fear. What is missing is the maturity and understanding of who was in front of you and what they went through to make this your stage.

I challenge you today to seek one person out in your sport and learn about who they were and what they accomplished. My young athletes, history sometimes has been taken for granted here in Bermuda, so it should be your job to search out the greats and carry the torch they have passed on and keep it brightly lit so it can guide you in the right direction.

So, when you enter into that next game or event I want you to slow down a little and take a deep breath and realise that your time has come to create great moments you will cherish forever.

As we watch and enjoy the talent of the youth coming through, we all must understand if we want this generation to face the future with zest and self-confidence, we must educate them to be original as well as competent.

Meanwhile, I also had the privilege to attend a block party over the weekend. To see the community come together in this way was great – the young people dancing, singing Karaoke, mixing and mingling with older folks, chatting about the stories back in their day, neighbours coming together as if they were one big family.

This I must say impressed me and I was glad to be invited.

Until next time!