Bermuda's elite junior athletes were recognised at a luncheon held by the Ministry of the Environment and Sports at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess yesterday for their achievements in sport.

Held by Sports Minister Glenn Blakeney, the luncheon was put on to acknowledge young Bermuda athletes, whether on the Island or abroad, in their respective sports and the success that they have enjoyed in their respective fields.

The national junior athlete sponsorship programme helps young athletes of Bermuda with funds to participate in events and camps that will better their athletic performances.

All awardees were given cheques and plaques as a sign of their potential and awareness in their respective sports.

President of the Bermuda Golf Association (BGA) Quinton Sherlock Jr., a previous recipient of this award, was on hand to give a vote of confidence and a reality past experience of how this award helped her, not only in her sporting life, but also as a person in society.

This year the Ministry increased it's funding to the tune of $75,000 for Bermuda's Outstanding Young Athletes.

In order to receive money for any travels or events athletes wish to attend, they must first apply to their governing body who will in turn apply for funds from the Ministry.

The awardees were between the ages of ten to 17 years old and came from a wide range sports.

This year 14 student athletes from 14 sports were acknowledged for their achievements in the past year and their

Two recipients in particular, are a cause of special recognition, Keanu Wilson and Jyire Mitchell.

Thirteen-year-old Keanu Wilson is the younger brother of the late Toriano Wilson, and the rider is following his brother's footsteps and is currently involved in several classes within the sport.

Mitchell, a ten year-old who attends Warwick Academy, received the highest allocation of funds for his involvement in Motocross.

This is the second time in which the Bermuda Motocross Club (BMC) has selected this talented young athlete.

Despite his young age this recipient is very dedicated to his sport and currently the points leader in the 9-11 Boys' 85cc class.

Among his accomplishments for the past year was competing in Belgium were he dominated the two classes he entered into against more experienced and seasoned riders.

This accomplishment allowed him to win a double championship and become the first person in the seven years of the competition to accomplish such a feat.

Who got what

Ashley Yearwood-Swimming $4460

Alex Osborne-Golf $6055

JayLynn Hines-Equestrianism $6489

Neal Towlson-Tennis $3945

Wendall Tre Ming-Footbal $3364

Elijah Simmons-Squash $5200

Morgan Beckles-Gymnastics $5650

Keanu Wilson-Motorcycle Racing $5200

Ryan Gunn-Triathlon $6824

Dimitri Stevens-Sailing $6800

Ryan Furbert-Track and Field $3527

Richard Warner-Basketball 5010

Jyire Mitchell-Motocross $7076

Greg Maybury-Cricket $5400