In a joint Ministry initiative, the Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Jamahl Simmons, and the Minister of Social Development and SportsMichael Weeks, participated in the launching of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) sports club micro loan initiative, at a seminar that took place at the Bermuda Industrial Union.
Representatives from local sports clubs were on hand at this development seminar to learn about this new initiative and the loan application process as well as receive information on all of the BEDC’s products to assist clubs.
This new program will provide assistance to existing sports clubs through $25,000 loan guarantees to assist in achieving their goals and objectives.
Minister Simmons said, “The Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism is excited to partner with the Ministry of Social Development and Sports to support the development of football, cricket and sailboat clubs. Only these clubs will be supported initially and after review of loan product take-up, the sports club micro loan product will hopefully be offered to other types of clubs as well.
The Government’s 2017 Throne Speech touted our desire to support Sports Clubs with developing financial products to create more sustainable business models in an effort to better serve their members and the public at large.
This evening, together with the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Youth Sport and Recreation, we are pleased to be able to continue to build on that promise. The Government, through BEDC and the Department Youth, Sport and Recreation, is proud to be leading with innovative Club-funding mechanisms to drive new economic success.
Clubs have historically played a key role in Bermuda as a connector to our community. However, they can also play a key role in the economic development of our communities and our Island, from creating an environment to foster micro-enterprise or vendors to facilitating business development through renting out physical space to established entrepreneurs.”
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Bermuda 3s World Team Championship Countdown
IslandStats.com
Bermuda 3s World Team Championship Brings Top Professionals and Amateurs to Island’s Best Courses
"The World's Most Entertaining Pro-Am"
That's a brash tagline for an inaugural golf tournament just entering the consciousness of the affluent golfer. However, founders Joe Steranka and Ken Kennerly believe it is or at least will be when professionals and amateurs descend upon the world-class golf destination in late October.
When the former CEO of the PGA of America and current Executive Director of the Honda Classic came together on this joint venture, their vision was to create a highly competitive tournament bringing four regions of the world to Bermuda.
“We envisioned an international competition with pros and amateur golfers meeting people from around the world and playing for their country,” says Kennerly, 30 year golf industry executive, avid sailor, and frequent Bermuda Visitor.
While the competition will be stout, participants will also enjoy one of the world’s most spectacular islands during an ideal time of year.
Bermuda is a perfect meeting place for golfers from North America, Great Britain & Ireland and Europe. From U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta and Miami it is a sub-three-hour direct flight. Golfers will enjoy a relaxing refuge before the holiday craze kicks-in after the competition concludes.
“Our goal was to create an event celebrating the influential role PGA Professionals have in bringing members to exotic golf locations,” says Steranka. “This will also be the first time for many to represent something more than themselves on the golf course. These amateurs and professionals may have played on a high school or college team, but never for their country. Bermuda 3s will build a comradery unmatched in their golf careers.”
Bermuda, on its own, is a premier golf destination. The island has hosted an array of tournaments through the years including the PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the four major winners (Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship). Bermuda 3s, for its part, will showcase the island’s best three offerings.
Mid Ocean Club, arguably Bermuda 3s highest profile venue, was recently ranked #54 for “Greatest Golf Courses in the World” by Golf Digest. The only C.B. Macdonald design outside of North America, it is renowned for its classic architectural features and 433-yard par-4 5th hole, dubbed “Cape.” The famed two-shotter, with its “bite off as much as you can chew” tee shot is widely considered one of golf’s greatest holes.
Port Royal, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., underwent a $14 million makeover in 2009 by Roger Rulewhich before hosting the Grand Slam of Golf. It features stunning ocean views capped by the 235-yard par-3 16th and its knee-knocking tee shot over a gapping chasm in the Atlantic Ocean.
Turtle Hill Golf Club, site of the Bermuda 3s final two championship rounds, has been ranked a top 5 par-3 course in the world by Golf Magazine and dubbed a “Hidden Gem” by GOLF Magazine. No pushover, Johnny Miller once shot a three-over par 57 on this stunningly scenic short course.
When the PGA Grand Slam of Golf ended in 2014, Steranka and Kennerly saw an opportunity. That same year, they attended a golf strategy meeting with Bermuda Tourism Authority. Increasing awareness of one of the world’s greatest “golf islands” while celebrating the game’s biggest advocacy group (the PGA of America) seemed like the perfect marriage.
“Having seen the experience from players, officials and fans, we knew the potential of team golf and Bermuda as a destination,” Steranka adds.
The focus then shifted from the number four to the number three. Makes sense considering the history of the Bermuda Triangle region, three island golf courses, three amateurs in each group and the championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club.
Monday, October 15, 2018
Bermuda Inside Sports Talk Radio LIVE 12:15
IslandStats.com
Inside Sports Talk Radio will air on www.islandstats.com today Thursday October 15th at 12:15pm.
This Live Radio Sports Talk Show is hosted weekly by Ian Rawlins and co-hosted by Earl Basden will be in studio.
The show is for a 90 minute period that includes interviews and members of the public calling in.
The public is encouraged to call in @ 292-5959 and discuss sporting issues as it relates to Sports in general.
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Bermuda Gold Point Archery Outdoor League
IslandStats.com
Week Three of the Gold Point Archery Outdoor League saw action continue at Southside in St. David’s. The competitors shoot with a target size of 40cm at a distance of 18m.
Bernard Wade had the top score for the week recording 528 points, Robert O’Connor was second with a score of 516 and Jaydon Roberts was third with 504 points.
Gold Point Archery Results October 14th
518 Bernard Wade III 516 Robert O’Connor 504 Jaydon Roberts 484 Ernest McCallan 401 Ashley Swann 398 Ed Silvia 398 Ashley Weekes 362 Camerin Pickering 316 Tony Grant
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Lewis Competes in Niagara Falls Half Marathon
IslandStats.com
Bermuda’s Paralympian Jessica Lewis and her coach Curtis Thoms took part in the Niagara Falls Half Marathon.
Lewis was clocked across the line in a time of 1:07:35, which was 2 minutes off her Half Marathon Personal Best time.
Coach Curtis battled the course with his handcycle.
Lewis telling www.islandstats.com after the race, “It was a fun morning! It warmed up a bit so the temperature was great to push in. Had some wet spots because of the mist from Niagara Falls but it went well. Curtis is a champ for doing it with me!”
