April 19, 2013 at 1:56 p.m.
Government hands 12 young athletes cash boost
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.
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