Minister: Sports Investment Funds Allocation

Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Senator Owen Darrell outlined the Sports Investment Programme allocations for the 2023/24 budget, with 22 different sporting bodies set to receive sums ranging from $5,000 to $300,000.

Speaking today [May 17] in the Senate, the Minister said, “Madam President, the Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation is committed to enhancing sport and recreation at all levels and recognizes that sports associations must be supported to ensure their growth and development.

“A key focus is to assist our National Sport Governing Bodies [NSGBs] in developing sustainable and effective pathway structures to facilitate an increased number of participants and improve performance.

“In this regard, the Department commits to funding NSGBs through the Sport Investment Program [SIP]. The SIP provides funding to National Sports Governing Bodies to support and assist with developing athletes, coaches and sporting programs.

“There are principles guiding our investment decisions, Madam President, and they inform planning and decision-making, impact how we operate and communicate, and set the context for improvement.

“To this end, Madam President, The Department has invested in the following categories for the 23/24 budget cycle:

• 1. High Performance,
• 2. Junior Development/Programming, and
• 3. Coach Development

“Madam President, I will now outline the Sports Investment Programme Allocations for the 2023/24 Budget cycle.

1. Bermuda Basketball Association

“A sum of $15,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Basketball Association in support of the following:

• Junior Development/Programming – Men’s, Women’s and Youth 3×3 Basketball Tournaments and Youth Camp [$10,000]

• Coach Development – FIBA ‘Start Coaching’ Clinic & FIBA Level I Coaching [$5,000]

2. Bermuda Bicycle Association

“A sum of $60,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Bicycle Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Elite Caribbean Championships and U23 Overseas Racing [$40,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – Junior squad overseas racing [$20,000]

3. Bermuda Boxing Federation

“A sum of $25,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Boxing Federation in support of the following:

• High Performance – Caribbean Boxing Championships and CAC Games [$20,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – National Academy [$5,000]

4. Bermuda Cricket Board

“A sum of $170,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Cricket Board in support of the following:

• High Performance – Hosting [$70,000] and preparing for ICC T20 World Cup Qualification Tournament [$100,000]

5. Bermuda Equestrian Federation

“A sum of $25,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Equestrian Federation in support of the following:

• Junior Development/Programming – Hosting of local shows, clinic, summer camp and overseas training opportunities [$10,000]

• Coach Development – FEI Training courses [$10,000]

• High Performance – Elite athlete assistance for Olympic qualification and CAC Games participation [$5,000]

6. Bermuda Football Association

“A sum of $300,000.00 has been recommended to be allocated to the Bermuda Football Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – National Academy, National Team representation and FIFA Referee pathway [$200,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – Youth league [$30,000] & Girls Football Development [$20,000]

• Coach Development – National Academy coach development [$25,000] and Referee education [$25,000]

7. Bermuda Golf Association

“A sum of $10,000.00 has been allocated to the Bermuda Golf Association in support of the following:

• Junior Development – Assistance with Community Sport Initiative & Golf in School [GIS] Programs [$10,000]

8. Bermuda Hockey Federation

“A sum of $25,000.00 has been allocated to the Bermuda Hockey Federation in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with equipment and National Squad preparation [$20,000].

• Coach Development – Sportsways partnership coaching course [$5,000]

9. Bermuda Karate Federation

“A sum of $20,000.00 has been allocated to the Bermuda Karate Federation in support of the following:

• Junior Development/Programming – Fees associated with WKF affiliation and junior development [$15,000]

• Coach Development – WKF coaching seminar [$5,000]

“This is the first SIP allocation the BKF would receive from the Department.

10. Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association

“A sum of $25,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – National Training Program [$10,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – U12 & U14 developmental representation [$10,000]

• Coach Development – ITF Umpire & Linesman Course [$5,000]

11. Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association

“A sum of $10,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association in support of the following:

• Junior Development – Assistance to junior riders to compete overseas [$10,000]

12. Bermuda Olympic Association

“A sum of $100,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Olympic Association to assist specifically with operational costs.

“Additionally a sum of $100,000.00 has been allocated to assist with the Elite Athlete Assistance fund.

13. Bermuda Paralympic Association

“A sum of $25,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Paralympic Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Support of 3 athletes participating in the Para Pan American Games. Funding also will assist in supporting staff travel. [$25,000]

14. Bermuda Rugby Football Union

“A sum of $5,000.00 has been allocated to the Bermuda Rugby Football Union in support of the following:

• Coach Development – Participation at World Rugby Level I and Level II coaching courses. [$5,000]

15. Bermuda Sailing Association

“A sum of $50,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Sailing Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with sending a team to the World Youth Championship [$20,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – High School Sailing in partnership with Endeavor Program [$20,000]

• Coach Development – ISAF Coach Training [$10,000]

16. Bermuda Sanshou Association

“A sum of $20,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Sanshou Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with participation in the World Wushu Championships [$10,000]

• Junior Development – Expenses associated with the participation in the Pan American Kung Fu and Tai chi Championships [$10,000]

17. Bermuda Sport Anti-Doping Authority [BSADA]

“A sum of $586,000 has been allocated to assist specifically with operational costs.

18. Bermuda Squash Racquets Association

“A sum of $10,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with international training and competition [$5,000]

• Junior Development/Programming – BSRA Junior Program [$5,000]

19. Bermuda Triathlon Association

“A sum of $20,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Triathlon Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with participation at the Junior World Championships, CAC and Pan-American Games [$7,500]

• Junior Development/Programming – Expenses associated with overseas competition for Development Squad and bikes for junior program [$10,000]

• Coach Development – Overseas coach development [$2,500]

20. Bermuda Volleyball Association

“A sum of $25,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Volleyball Association in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with U23 and NORCECA Beach Tours [$15,000]

• Coach Development – FIVB partnership coaching course [$10,000]

21. Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda

“A sum of $20,000 has been allocated to the Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda in support of the following:

• High Performance – Expenses associated with athlete National Team preparations and participation in the CAC Games [$10,000]

• Junior Development – Club public school outreach [$5,000 each]

22. National Archery Association of Bermuda

“A sum of $10,000 has been allocated to the National Archery Association of Bermuda in support of the following:

• High Performance – Hyundai World Cup Shoot [$10,000]

“Madam President, the increasing number of recognized NSGBs bodes well for sport in Bermuda as organizations continue to show good governance and development.

“The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation will continue to provide a transparent process for NSGBs to access funding based on the principles of accountability, equity and outcomes. Accordingly, the Government’s deep commitment to sport will continue with this programme and others to show that Sport Matters. Thank you, Madam President.”

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