THE ROLE OF SPORTS CLUBS IN THE COMMUNITY

There are several types of clubs in Bermuda and varied reasons for their establishment. I thought it might be good to define the ones that are relevant to sports and touch on some ideas that can make them beneficial to community improvement.

First and foremost, is there a difference between sports, community, or a social club, or are they the same? A club is defined as an association or organization dedicated to a particular interest or activity.

A social club is a broad term describing an organization consisting of members that have a shared interest. These clubs allow people interested in an activity or subject to congregate and interact with one another. An example can be a book club, photography club, boat club or a sports club.

So, a photography club will attract people who like photography, and they will teach and help each other to ‘hands-on’ learn the technics and controls of the camera to improve the image quality of each member. This will improve the knowledge and ability of each member and their service to the community and the prospects of employment opportunities.

This is the importance of sports/social/ community clubs in any country. They can attract a diverse number of people to service the varying needs of the club to the benefit of the club, individuals, community, and the country.

It is a great way to make new friends, Network, share ideas, and learn new skills. If you love football and join a football club, it must be operated as any business. You need knowledgeable people with clear ideas to manage and advance the direction of the club, and train new members to fill the positions so that the administration runs smoothly.

Each club, whether it be football, motocross, or cricket, needs a photographer, journalist, coaches, and other supporting members that help the club to realize its’ goals. The flip step to this involvement is the experience and skills that the members obtain with their responsibilities to the club and how in can prepare them for opportunities in the workplace.

Inexperienced Vice-Presidents learn knowledge and abilities from the president in leadership, the assistant accountant learns valuable proficiencies and errors are corrected while under the watchful eye of the accountant. The young footballer develops his skills at an early age while under the guidance of the team coaches. There are even opportunities to gain experience in marketing skills for sponsorship of the club and/or the clubs’ teams. There are many benefits to joining a club and the role of club in the community provides a sense of belonging and should play a key role in family structure, community development, and national pride.

Tiara DeRosa, who holds the national record of 48.89 metres in discus made history by becoming the first Bermudian woman to compete in the discus throw at Commonwealth Games. The 24-year-old DeRosa’s appearance at the Games marked only the second time Bermuda has been represented in discus at the Commonwealth Games; following the first appearance in 1934. At the 2022 National Track & Field meet, Tiara shattered the Bermuda shot put record, a record that stood for over 30 years set by Sonya Smith. She also broke Sonya’s 1988 discus record with a toss of 13.89, which had stood for 34 years (1988).

Minors To Represent Bermuda

Bermuda Middle-distance runner, Dage Minors was presented with a cheque for $5,000 from Dr. Ewart Brown, the BHCS executive chairman, and Mahesh Reddy, the medical director, presented Dage Minors with a cheque for $5,000 to help with his prepares to represent Bermuda in the 1,500 metres at the Commonwealth Games. Dage had an outstanding year in 2022, setting two new Bermuda national records, placing third at the USATF Bermuda Games and won the 800 metres during the Battle Road Track Club Meet in Massachusetts. He also placed third in the Battle Road Track Club’s Twilight Series at Bentley University in Massachusetts.

Dage had an outstanding year in 2022, setting two new Bermuda national records.

Hazel Clark Honored at US Championships

Hazel Clark, Three-time U.S. Olympian athlete and winner of seven U.S. national titles, who now works for the Bermuda Tourism Authority as Director of Global Sales and Business Development was honored during the US Championships held at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon. Hazel was honored along with her sister Joetta Clark Diggs and sister-in-law Jearl Miles Clark, all three former athletes represented the United States in the 800 metres at the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, in 2000. They are the only family in history to place three members from one discipline on the US Olympic team.

Triathlon: Petty & Wightman Compete in MontrealH

Steven Petty and Arthur Wightman, both competed in the 2022 World Triathlon Sprint Championships in Montreal. Wightman finished 55th in the Men’s 45-49 Age Group Division finishing in a time of 1:18:44. Steven Petty competed in the Men’s 70 – 74 Age group Division and placed 21st with a time of 1:36:11.

Robin Horsfield Finishes 16th in Canada Cup

Bermuda National Mountain Bike Champion Robin Horsfield crashed twice, but still managed to finish 16th at the Canada Cup held in Whistler, British Colombia. The course was a 4km loop that included many difficult downhill slopes in hot and dusty conditions that forced several riders to give up the race early due to its complexity. Robin crashed early in the race and damaged the bike, losing two minutes repairing the bend derailleur. He was three minutes behind when he was in collision with the race leaders and crashed again but hangs on, pushed hard and finished 16th.