The Association of National Sports Governing Bodies (ANSGB) successfully held its Electoral General Assembly Meeting on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the National Sports Centre North Field Pavilion. The event brought together delegates from various National Sports Governing Bodies to engage in discussions shaping the future of sports in Bermuda.

The Hon. Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, served as the keynote speaker for the evening. Minister Darrell addressed the delegates with inspiring remarks on the importance of sports in fostering unity, development, and national pride. He joined President, David Sabir, in presenting the prestigious Sports Volunteer Recognition Awards to this year’s deserving recipients, celebrating their invaluable contributions to Bermuda’s sports community.

Awardees:
Antoine Williams on behalf of Stacy Grant
Calvin Simons
Kim Selley
Leopold Kuchler
O’Shandah Ming
Pam Mahoney
Roderick Dwayne Cox
Calvin Blakendal on behalf of Kenneth Neil Paynter

Good evening, distinguished delegates, esteemed colleagues, honoured guests, and most importantly, the dedicated members of the Association of National Sports Governing Bodies (ANSGB). 

It is both a privilege and an honour to address you this evening on such a significant occasion. Tonight, we come together not merely to conduct important business or to elect new leadership but to celebrate the very essence of sport—its power to unite, inspire, and build stronger communities through shared passion and commitment. 

Allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to the ANSGB for inviting me to speak this evening. It is truly an honour to stand here, representing a shared vision and commitment to advancing sport on our island. Your dedication forms the backbone of our sporting ecosystem, which provides vital support and structure for athletes, teams, and organisations alike. 

You, the National Sports Governing Bodies of Bermuda are entrusted with a profound responsibility: to shape the future of sport in our country. You are the stewards of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency within your respective disciplines. Your leadership empowers athletes to dream boldly, inspires communities to rally together, and provides young people with hope and purpose through the transformative power of sport. 

Just this morning, in the senate, I gave a Ministerial Statement, updating the country on the advancement of the National Sports policy. The advancement of this policy is only possible through the work that you, the National Sports Governing Bodies are doing, with one of our proudest achievements being the long-term development plan that more than half of you have engaged in. 

This evening’s gathering exemplifies your collective dedication to progress. It is a time to chart the future of the ANSGB by selecting leaders who will guide us with vision and integrity. To those offering themselves for these roles, I applaud your courage and commitment. Leadership demands collaboration, forward-thinking, and a steadfast dedication to the ideals we hold dear. 

Tonight, we also have the privilege of honouring a remarkable group of individuals—the recipients of the Sports Volunteer Recognition Awards. These individuals represent the very heart of our sporting community. Volunteers are the unsung heroes of sport, giving generously their time and energy to ensure events run seamlessly, athletes are supported, and communities are connected. Their contributions are invaluable, and without them, much of what we celebrate in sports would not be possible. 

To the awardees, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your selfless dedication has a powerful and far-reaching impact, touching -lives, uplifting communities, and making dreams a reality. You remind us all of the extraordinary power of service and commitment. 

Sports has the unique ability to bring people together and inspire greatness. Beyond the competition, it imparts values that resonate far beyond the playing field—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and respect. These values are essential not only in sports but also in addressing the broader challenges we face as a society. 

As we look to the future, let us embrace sport as a force for social change and national development. We must ensure that every child has access to quality sporting opportunities, that our athletes are equipped to compete on the world stage, and that the governance structures supporting sports remain transparent, inclusive, and robust. 

As this assembly undertakes its vital work, I encourage you to reflect on the legacy we are building for future generations. Whether as leaders, volunteers, or advocates, your collective efforts will define the future of sport in our nation. 

To the incoming leaders, I challenge you to lead with boldness and innovation. To all delegates here tonight, I urge you to continue championing the unifying and transformative power of sports. And to the awardees, thank you for embodying the spirit of selflessness and service that makes our sporting community so vibrant. 

In closing, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for the opportunity to share this moment with you. Together, let us strengthen the foundations of sport on our island, and ensure its continued growth and success. Your passion, dedication, and vision inspire me and our entire country. 

Thank you, and may tonight’s proceedings set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future for sport in Bermuda.