Sport gets financial boost in Budget – The Royal Gazette

Updated: March 06, 2023 07:34

Junior Minister for Youth, Culture and Sport Kim Swan. (Photo by Akil Simmons)

Sport will be at the forefront of development as the government spends more than $1 million on youth, sports and recreation over the coming 12 months.

Kim Swan, the junior minister for youth culture and sports, outlined during the House of Assembly the allocation of funds throughout his ministry.

He said, “We recognize the value of sport to our country and continue to explore avenues that will continue to promote Bermuda as a sports jurisdiction.”

Mr Swan added: “The realignment of funds reflects the government’s showing in this upcoming fiscal year that we value the development of sport in Bermuda and the development of young people through sport.”

Mr Swan said the ministry received more than $13 million – about 7 percent more than last year.

Of that amount, $10.6 million was offered to the Department of Youth, Sports and Recreation, approximately $1.04 million more than the 2022-23 budget.

The Ministry of Culture will receive $1.89 million.

Sports development will have the highest spending rate, with $2.26 million going to investments and another $428,000 to programs.

These are supported by $160,000 set aside for awards and incentives, including $45,000 set aside for cup match grants.

Sports facilities across the island will receive $1.9 million for renovation and investment.

These include the Motorsport Park, the WMC Preece Softball Park and the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.

About $839,000 would be used for sports administration, while another $1.16 million would be used for the Department of Youth, Culture and Sport headquarters.

The west, east, and southwest central community zones will receive a total of $1.39 million in investments, although the only change from last year’s budget is for the west community center, which will receive $430,000 – $53,000 dollars more than last year.

Camping will receive $941,000 this year, with $172,000 going to administration, with the remainder going to camping services in the smaller islands of Bermuda.

Youth development activities are supported with $415,000 in funding that goes to organizations such as after-school activities.

Day camps will also get $824,000, while $1.47 million will go to after-school programs.

Mr Swan said these focuses would help enrich the lives of young people and the communities they participated in, which would “bring us together and build unity in our country”.

He said, “This will strengthen what unites us and strengthen our cultural integrity.”

Mr Swan added: “We firmly believe that the uniqueness of our people and culture is the country’s greatest asset. Our values, our strength, our resilience – everything that makes Bermuda the incredible country it is today. Our ministry is committed to honoring and celebrating our people.”