Government hands 12 young athletes cash boost

Government yesterday pledged nearly $50,000 in sponsorship to aid Bermuda’s emerging generation of sporting talent.

Twelve youngsters determined to further their dreams were recognized at a National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme ceremony at the Fairmont Hamilton.

They each received a sponsorship sum — the highest being $4,900 — designed to help them achieve the next step of their burgeoning careers.

Among the recipients were cricketer Kamau Leverock — nephew of Dwayne ‘Sluggo’ Leverock — and recent Carifta Swimming Championship gold medallist Jesse Washington, who told the Sun: “I’m very grateful for this award. It means a lot and it takes a lot of stress off my parents.”

Another grateful recipient was young triathlete Tyler Smith, who said: “Long-term, in any sport you want to get to the top and that’s the Olympics but that’s a long road and I’m just looking to advance my skills.”

Minister of Community and Cultural Development Wayne Scott said: “I am honoured and humbled to be standing before this group of outstanding young athletes who serve as a beacon, a ray of hope for the entire community.”

The Awards Programme is in its 20th year and has awarded more than $800,000 towards the
development of young athletes.

Here’s a full run down of the recipients:

Chase Cooper (sailing)

Age, school: 14, Warwick Academy

Achievements: 2012 Bermuda Optimist Dingyy Association sailor of the year.

Goals: To compete at 2013 World Championship.

Awarded: $4,435 to attend Dutch Youth Regatta in the Netherlands, the International Youth Regatta in St Thomas (USVI) and purchase new sails.

Cory DeSilva (golf)

Age, school: 16, Warwick Academy.

Achievements: Youngest player in the recent Bermuda Open.

Goals: Compete in the Bermuda Junior Golf tournament, junior worlds and the Island Games.

Awarded: $4,345 to attend the Junior Professional Golfers’ Association players’ camp plus golf fitting.

Alexander Godet (hockey)

Age, school: 17, Millfield School (Somerset, England)

Achievements: Represented Bermuda at junior and senior levels. While competing for his school, Millfield in Somerset, England, was placed third in the all England hockey tournament.

Goals: To play Division One hockey in the UK.

Awarded: $3,165 to attend hockey camp in Barcelona.

Adam Hall (baseball)

Age: 13

Achievements: Plays for London Badgers in Ontario, numerous MVP awards.

Goals:  Secure Division One baseball scholarship.

Awarded: $4,390 to attend Spring training trip to Florida.

Tahzeiko Harris (football)

Age, school: 13, Sandys Middle.

Achievements: Member of BFA National Academy.

Goals: Wants to play collegiate football.

Awarded: $4,255 to attend soccer academy in Florida.

Kamau Leverock (cricket)

Age: 18

Achievements: Made his debut for Bermuda at 16, scoring 50 against UAE.

Goals: To play professionally and captain Bermuda.

Awarded: $4,350 to attend training camp and pay for new equipment and match fees.

Nicholas Lines (tennis)

Age, school: 14, Saltus Grammar School

Achievements: Represented Bermuda on the international stage.

Goals: Plans to play for his country in the Junior Davis Cup.

Awarded: $3,082 to attend the IMG tennis academy.

Dage Minors (track and field)

Age, school: 17, St Johnsbury Academy, Vermont.

Achievements: 2011 Carifta Games bronze 3,000m; 2013, State Boys’ athlete of the year, KPMG Boys’ title.

Goals: To medal in the 2014 Pan Am Championship and represent Bermuda at the CAC Junior Championships.

Awarded: $4,707 to attend training camp in Amsterdam.

Deshi Smith (cycling)

Age, school: 17, Bermuda Institute

Achievements: Represented Bermuda twice at the Caribbean Cycling Championships.

Goals: To be selected for the national team for the junior Caribbean Cycling Championships.

Awarded: $2,557 to attend New York High School cycling programme.

Tyler Smith (triathlon)

Age, school: 14, Somersfield Academy.

Achievements: Ninth overall, and first junior, in 2013 Bank of Bermuda triathlon.

Goals: To compete in Junior Olympics in 2014.

Awarded: $4,790  to buy a new bike and attend training camp.

Khaleb Tota (equestrian)

Age/school: 16, Warwick Academy

Achievements: Second in World Jumping Champiomnship Category B, champion junior rider (12-14 years) at Bermuda Horse and Pony Spring Show.

Goals: To compete in the 2013 FEI World Jumping Championship Category A at 3ft 11in, and to compete in the 2014 Youth Olympics.

Awarded: $4,900 to attend training camp in Germany.

Jesse Washington (swimming)

Age, school: 13, Warwick Academy.

Achievements: Five golds at 2012 Carifta Championships, gold at 2013 Carifta Championship.

Goals: Attend Canadian Age Group Nationals.

Awarded: $4,430 to attend training camp in Canada.