During the recent budget debate, I acknowledged the government’s ongoing support for sport and our athletes—but made clear that it is not enough. As the costs of participating in sport continue to rise—both locally and for overseas competition—our National Sport Governing Bodies (NSGBs) are facing increasing demands on resources that have not grown at the same rate.
Sport and recreation are vital pillars of our society. They promote healthy lifestyles, positive behavior, and a sense of community—particularly for our young people. That is why I will always advocate for more strategic investment in sport, especially as we strive to ensure equitable access and long-term athlete development.
There are also critical areas of concern that must be addressed. The National Sports Centre (NSC), a cornerstone of our national sporting infrastructure, still has not caught up on its outstanding audits—an issue that has persisted for several years. While savings have been realized through the lighting upgrade project, the long-promised solar project remains incomplete despite being scheduled for completion years ago. Additionally, there is no publicly available maintenance plan for this solar infrastructure—raising questions about sustainability and long-term planning.
One of the most pressing issues is the lack of support for our elite athletes once they transition out of youth systems. Many of these athletes have aged out of parental financial coverage or no longer benefit from university-based health plans. At this critical stage—often just before they reach their peak performance—health insurance becomes a prohibitive cost. This creates an unfair barrier where athletes from financially secure backgrounds can continue, while those without the means are forced to give up their dreams.
We must not allow financial inequality to dictate athletic success. Bermuda has invested in these young people through schools, clubs, and national programs. To lose that investment because of systemic gaps is not only inefficient—it is unjust.
A practical solution: create a programme that provides health insurance support to elite athletes in exchange for service to the community. These athletes could serve as role models and sports tourism ambassadors—running youth clinics, producing public service messages, and promoting Bermuda internationally. Such an initiative would support our athletes, strengthen community engagement, and raise the island’s global sporting profile. This is a win for athletes, a win for government, and a win for Bermuda.
We must be intentional in creating an environment where talent, not income, determines an athlete’s opportunity to succeed. That is how we build a healthier, fairer, and more inspiring Bermuda.
