This past Saturday, the Bermuda Olympic Association’s Women in Sport committee held a banquet, at the Rosewood Tuckers point, to highlight some of the achievements that Bermudian women have accomplished in their respective sports over the years.
The “Women in Formation” banquet was a sold-out event, hosting individuals from many of the National Sports Governing Bodies on the island. Also in attendance were The Governor, Her Excellency Ms Rena Lalgie, and the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Senator the Hon. Owen Darrell.
Donna Raynor, chair of the Women in Sports committee said “This event met the WIS Committee’s goal and objective of this being a learning activity and history of Bermuda’s successful Women in Sport. We gave these women a platform to tell their stories of their journeys which have touched Bermuda and the world. Bermuda has a lot to be proud of.”
Presenters of the evening were, whether virtual or live, Dame Flora Duffy, Deborah Jones-Hunter, Katura Horton-Perinchief, Jessica Lewis, Lisa Blackburn, Judy Simons, Caitlin Conyers, Emma Keane, Emma Harvey, Heidi Mello, Natasha Trott, Patty Petty, Donna Raynor, shared their personal stories and gave some valuable advice for all the attendees.
Included in the program was a jeopardy game centred around the different NSGBs and a history game. For the history game, the premise was for each table to go around and visit all the tables in the room identify each athlete. The photos used for this game were of past and current athletes. Annabelle Collins, Arantxa King, the Big Blue Machine, Caitlyn Bobb. Ceci Wolman, Debbie Jones-Hunter and the Tigerbelles, Erica Hawley, Hattie Ann Morisette, Jenny Smatt, Katura Horton-Perinchief, Kiera Aitken, Leilanni Nesbeth, Madelyn Moore, Naquita Robinson, Tara & Jackie Lambert and Tereza Perozzi were the athletes highlighted in this history game.
In her closing remarks, Branwen Smith-King, BOA Secretary General, stated “Flora told us to remember that anything is possible. Katura reminded us that representation matters. Heidi enlightened us on what it took for her to become ‘world-class’ and the best-of-the-best in equestrian and show jumping. Jessica gave us the gem “plan the work and work the plan.” Donna took us on her journey of starting as a student-athlete and how her teammates became her family and reminded us that there are no limitations to what you can achieve. Patty talked about how she got involved with the World Triathlon and how humbling her experience has been.
Lisa prompted us to think about life after sports and that age is just a number. We should always empower others to reach their potential. Caitlin remarked that nothing is wasted and that everything is temporary and to always be proud of yourself. And Natasha shared that we should always believe that you will be successful and never be afraid to break the glass ceiling.”
Overall, the evening was an enormous success. We would like to thank all those who attended the evening but a special thanks to the organising committee for all their hard work to make the event happen. We look forward to the next Women in Sport event and hope that we can continue to inspire the next generation of athletes in Bermuda.
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