On August 5, the Department of Sport and Recreation hosted the 2026 National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme (NJASP) Awards Ceremony, recognizing Bermuda's outstanding junior athletes and coaches while reaffirming the Government's commitment to developing the island's sporting talent.
Acting Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, said, "The National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme is an investment in Bermuda's future. These awards recognize the hard work, dedication and potential of our young athletes and coaches, while providing meaningful support to help them pursue excellence. We are proud to invest in the next generation of Bermudian sporting talent."
The NJASP provides financial assistance to promising athletes and coaches to support training, competition and development opportunities. This year's recipients are:
Individual Athlete Awards
- Asher Wheddon (Bermuda Football Rugby Union) – $2,620
- Surii Russell (Bermuda National Athletics Association) – $3,270
- Geraldine Sidders (Bermuda Sanshou Association) – $2,845
- Z'Naz Jones (Bermuda Motocross Association) – $3,210
- Miguel Power (Bermuda Sailing Association) – $2,324
- Marcus Rodrigues (Bermuda Volleyball Association) – $4,268
- Isaac Davis (Bermuda Hockey Federation) – $3,435
Coaching Awards
- Bermuda Cricket Board (Andre Coley) – $3,000
- Bermuda Golf Association (Henry Brunton) – $3,500
- Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda (PAGU Coach) – $3,000
- Bermuda Triathlon Association (Michael Harlow) – $4,513
- Pickleball Association of Bermuda (Armondo Ferreira) – $3,000
- Bermuda Football Association (John Moreira) – $3,140
- Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (American Swimming Coaches Association) – $4,250
- Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association (Billy Dunn) – $1,500
The 2026 Flora Duffy Award, valued at $10,000, was presented to Nirobi Smith-Mills of the Bermuda National Athletics Association.
The Department of Sport and Recreation congratulates all recipients and wishes them continued success as they pursue their sporting goals and represent Bermuda with pride.
