Sports took center stage yet again when the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), National Sports Center (NSC), Bermuda National Athletics Association (BNAA) along with Government Ministers and Two Coaches of visiting Sports Programmes held a press conference at the National Sports Center.
The Press Conference was to welcome the two visiting sports teams to the island for training camps.
The University of Western Ontario Track & Field team from Canada and the Georgetown University Swim & Dive team from the United States of America are enjoying time away from the freezing cold.
BTA Chief Product & Experiences Development Officer Pat Phillip-Fairn said in remarks, “Allow me, on behalf of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, to also extend a warm welcome to our visiting athletes from Ontario and Washington, DC.
Warm is the operative word, of course, because a brief peek at the weather forecast showed me that it’s snowing this morning on the campuses of University of Western Ontario and Georgetown University. In fact, in DC, where they don’t get a lot of snow, they’re bracing for something called a “snow hurricane”. It sounds awful. So, although our weather hasn’t been perfect this week, we think it’s been good enough to make your classmates back home jealous that you’re out here with us in Bermuda while they’re dealing with snow storms.”
Ministry of Economic Development & Tourism Minister Jamahl Simmons said, “I have the distinct pleasure of welcoming these athletes to Bermuda with a small commemorative token of the country’s appreciation.
Before I do so, allow me to just make a few comments about sports tourism and the growing popularity of these sports training camps and their impact on the island.
As the Minister for Economic Development and Tourism, I’m always delighted to hear about occasions when tourism provides a clearly identifiable economic stimulus for the country – especially during this time of year when the tourism season tends to slow and work hours trail off.”
