Sport and politics would ideally never mix but as the world becomes increasingly divided on societal issues, sporting platforms have turned into lightning rods for social activism. 

Be it athletes or spectators, disobedience or disruption has been the order of the day as they attempt to transcend the boundaries of the arena and convey their views to millions of people worldwide. 

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the US national anthem at NFL games to protest against racial injustice in 2016, little did he know the butterfly effect his deed would have as it sparked debates and polarised a country. 

But his gesture has since been embraced by top leagues around the world, none more so than England’s Premier League — European football’s most lucrative and popular competition. 

A spillover from the Black Lives Matter movement that began more than three years ago, the league’s players continue to fight discrimination by taking a knee before some games this season. 

“We are unified in our belief that any form of discrimination has no place within football or wider society,” the 20 Premier League captains said this year. 

“[We] are committed to using our platform to help celebrate diversity and show our support in the fight against racism.” 

The continued protests are, to a large extent, to do with rampant online abuse which rears its ugly head every week, with social-media platforms seemingly unable to stem the flow of unbridled rage and racist abuse that lands in players’ inboxes. 

Outside the arena, Olympic medal-winning wrestlers in India found out the hard way what lies in store for those who leverage their popularity to go up against a member of the ruling party after months of protests on the streets fell on deaf ears. 

India’s top wrestlers were detained by police in May when they intensified their protest demanding the arrest of their federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment of female athletes, which he denied. 

As images of wrestlers being manhandled by police were beamed across the world, 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winner Sakshi Malik said: “This is how our champions are being treated. The world is watching us.” 

On the other hand, sporting platforms have also been a stage for spectators to amplify causes, and 2023 was no different in dividing viewers when activists disrupted big events from tennis grand slams to golf majors and cricket matches. 

Just Stop Oil protesters interrupted Wimbledon matches when they released orange ticker-tape on to the grasscourt surface, while the group also stopped play by scattering orange powder at an Ashes Test and the World Snooker Championship. 

Their controversial and disruptive tactics have been condemned by athletes and fans alike, but they also garnered sympathy from popular and outspoken football pundit Gary Lineker. 

“I completely understand where they’re coming from — disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity. I get it,” said Lineker, who presents BBC’s Match of the Day football highlights programme. 

“I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events.” 

US Open tennis champion Coco Gauff, who has spoken out on various causes, also has no qualms about such protests, even though climate activists disrupted her semi-final at Flushing Meadows and one glued his feet to the stand’s concrete floor. 

“I think that moments like this are history-defining moments,” Gauff said. “If that’s what they felt they needed to do to get their voices heard, I can’t really get upset at it.” 

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The achievements of our Olympic champion have often been the starting point for any article written about Bermuda sport, but with Duffy ruled out of action for the entirety of 2023 with a persistent knee injury, it was time for the island’s other sporting stars to shine. 

And shine they did. 

Conor White led the way at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in October, when he won only Bermuda’s tenth medal at the Games and the first since Duffy picked up bronze in Toronto in 2015. 

White finished third in the cycling time-trial to round off a year full of medals for him after also picking up hardware at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Caribbean Championships. 

His success was more than matched by wheelchair sprinter Jessica Lewis, who does what she always does at the Parapan Am Games, and that’s win the T53 100 metres in record time. 

Lewis smashed her own Games record by more than half a second to win her third gold in the event after victories in Canada in 2015 and Lima in 2019. 

Yushae DeSilva-Andrade is rocketing up the world boccia rankings, and she announced herself on the global stage with a silver medal at the same event. That performance came hot on the heels of gold at the World Boccia Cup in Brazil and she heads into the 2024 Paralympics in Paris as a genuine medal contender. 

In sport the margin between success and failure is often small and the national teams agonisingly fell at their respective final hurdles in their quest to take on the world’s elite. 

The cricket team were just one game away from qualifying for a World Cup for the first time since 2007 but suffered a heart-wrenching defeat by Canada in the final Americas region qualifier for the T20 World Cup. 

Under Niraj Odedra, a respected trophy-winning coach from India, Bermuda’s players showed professionalism, perseverance and passion to galvanise the country’s cricket fans behind them. 

A stunning 86-run victory over favourites Canada in the opening game of the tournament on home soil gave hope that after 17 years Bermuda could again be taking on the likes of India, England and Australia on the greatest of stage of all. 

Echoes of 2007 came in the shape of Bermuda’s star of the tournament, Kamau Leverock, the nephew of Dwayne Leverock who entered cricket folklore after his stunning slip catch in the World Cup. The younger Leverock hit 83 in that opening match and 98, from 59 balls against Cayman Islands, eventually ending as the tournament MVP. 

With Bermuda winning four of their first five matches, with the other a no result, and Canada making up for their defeat against the home side by thrashing every other opponent they played, the final match of the tournament was a straight shoot-out. 

With heavy overnight rain making for a tricky pitch and reducing the match to 18 overs, Canada won the toss, elected to bat and made 132 for four, a score no more than respectable. 

For a while, a winning chase looked on with opener Leverock in the twenties and No 3 Terryn Fray finding form for the first time in the tournament as he reached 30. But when Leverock fell for 23 and captain Delray Rawlins followed him within five balls, the task looked tough, with only Allan Douglas Jr (22) of Bermuda’s last eight batters making more than three runs. 

The future is now up in the air, with Odedra yet to be offered a new deal and Lloyd Smith returning as Bermuda Cricket Board president after defeating incumbent Arnold Manders 7-6 at the annual meeting just a few weeks ago. 

There were eerie similarities between cricket and football, with Bermuda’s football teams engendering a feel-good factor among the public as they entered their final matches of the year top of their leagues only to falter. 

The men were sitting proudly at the summit of Concacaf League B group C with promotion and future matches against the likes of Jamaica, Honduras and Panama in their own hands. 

Under new Canadian coach Michael Findlay, who replaced Kyle Lightbourne at the start of August, there were definite signs of improvement and a much more attractive style, but a win was needed away against French Guiana in the final round of fixtures to secure promotion. 

A 3-0 defeat was a disappointing way to end the campaign, but Findlay will be encouraged by the contributions made by some exciting young players. 

It was a similar scenario for the women’s team who topped their Women’s Concacaf Gold Cup group going into the final day of matches. 

After two wins against St Vincent & the Grenadines, one by default, a win and draw against Barbados and a home victory against Dominican Republic, Naquita Robinson’s side needed just a point against the latter to secure a spot in the Gold Cup play-off stages but lost 2-0. 

On the domestic front, Jordan DeSilva announced his retirement as Somerset cricket captain after a draw with St George’s ensured the Cup Match trophy stayed in the West End for at least another year. 

Dion Stovell was again the star, hitting 139 in his second successive Cup Match century as Somerset fell short in an ambitious attempt to inflict an inning defeat. Stovell’s side scored 404 in their first innings, bowling out St George’s for 219 and leaving them at 242 for six after following on. 

Bermuda’s tight-knit football community was in mourning in May after PHC Zebras captain Marco Warren was killed in an incident on the roads. 

Warren was the league’s standout performer and had been named Bermuda Football Association Player of the Year for the third time in just five seasons three weeks before his death 

The 29-year-old almost led his side to their first Triple Crown in 52 years last season, helping his side to glory in the Premier Division and Friendship Trophy before losing 2-1 to North Village in the FA Cup Final, with Warren unavailable through suspension. 

The post Duffy sidelined but there is no shortage of talking points appeared first on RG Magazines.

Many families have traditions dating back decades, from camping at the side of the road to barbecuing on the beach or swimming in the refreshing clear blue water.

In recent times, late-night parties and concerts have established themselves as modern-day Cup Match traditions by bringing live entertainment and more excitement to the long holiday weekend.

There’s so much to do in four days on these 21 square miles – and that’s before we even mention the cricket…

Here’s our guide to a fun Cup Match this summer.

NO FILTER – CUP MATCH EVE EDM FESTIVAL

What better way to kick off Cup Match 2023 than a major party at one of Bermuda’s biggest venues?

Walshy Fire, Grandtheft and Natty Rico are among the star performers lined up for the electronic dance music bonanza at the National Sports Centre on Wednesday, August 2.

Local promoters Rowan Ramotar and Declan Harris have teamed up with Douglas Olsen of The Terrace to create the concert which will draw a crowd of thousands.

EDM lovers will know Walshy Fire as the point man from Major Lazer; Canadian Grandtheft has headlined major shows in North America and Europe; while the talented Natty Rico mixes and plays a saxophone at the same time.

“People are going to be super-excited about this line-up,” Mr Harris said.

“This event has more talent for it than we have time for. The crowd will be shouting for more because there’s so much talent.”

Mr Harris expects a fairly young crowd but notes EDM appeals to people of all ages.

“The great thing about this concert is that people will want high velocity, high energy the night before Cup Match,” he added.

“EDM is perfect for that because you’re going to get the lights, you’re going to get the smoke, you’re going to get all these variables that people look forward to, to start off the holiday.”

CUP MATCH FEVER

Now in its 16th year, Cup Match Fever is one of the island’s modern traditions.

“Everyone knows now, you go to the cricket game, you enjoy the game for two days. And then, after the game on Friday you head down and continue the celebrations at Cup Match Fever,” Mr Ramotar said.

Noah Power and DJ Polish, a top DJ duo from New York, are among the line-up at the event at Fort St Catherine on Friday, August 4.

Other performers include Chromatic Creep and JR, who have played at major events in the Caribbean and North America, top Jamaica DJ ZJ Liquid and local stars Mista Genius and Rusty G.

“We have a full slate of entertainment to please everyone from all age groups – reggae, soca, hip-hop,” Mr Harris said.

“We realise people like to see live shows before Cup Match. But on the Friday after the game, they don’t want to see live acts, they want to dance, they want to hear music.

“When they finish the game, they just want to come out and party and have a good time with quality DJs that play good music. That’s what we’ve provided over the years and that’s why we’ve been able to survive this long.”

This year’s venue has a capacity of about 800 so people are encouraged to get tickets early.

Parking is very limited at Fort St Catherine, but minibuses will be available from Tiger Bay, East End Primary School and Tobacco Bay.

Cup Match Fever comes right in the middle of the four-day holiday break.

Mr Ramotar said: “Those two weekdays off work make Cup Match unique. You don’t have to worry about going to work until Monday morning.

“We were able to fuse that Caribbean culture with the DJs that we bring. That gives Bermudian and visitors a feel of that Caribbean vibe.”

GET BOWLED OVER AT THE CRICKET

For the original Cup Match experience, of course, head to St George’s Cricket Club for the classic encounter between St George’s versus Somerset.

There’s always plenty of talent on display as Bermuda’s finest cricketers go head-to-head throughout Thursday and Friday, often culminating in a tense finale as one team pushes for a victory on the Friday afternoon.

Even if you don’t like cricket, you can enjoy a full day at the ground without watching a ball being bowled: chat with old friends, make new friends, feast on Bermudian cuisine from the food stands, sample the rum swizzle and try your luck at Crown and Anchor – but remember that those last two activities don’t always mix well!

A spokesman for the Bermuda Tourism Authority said: “We encourage visitors on the island to come out and experience the electrifying energy in and around the Cup Match grounds.

“It truly is a spectacle unlike any other. Mouth-watering local authentic cuisine, friendly team rivalry, and unforgettable festive spirit.”

VISIT THE OLDE TOWNE

If a full day at the cricket is too much, why not spend part of the day checking out the Town of St George?

A Unesco World Heritage site, St George’s offers a glimpse of 17th century Bermudian life in a picturesque setting, with historic buildings such as the Unfinished Church, St Peter’s Church, the Fort of St Catherine or the Alexandra Battery. Indulge in fun activities at Tobacco Bay or try out the food and ocean views at the White Horse, Wahoo’s Bistro or The Wharf.

THE TRUE BERMUDIAN EXPERIENCE

Locals and visitors alike can visit the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s gotobermuda.com website for details about events taking place over the holiday.

A spokesman said: “Those who are seeking alternative options to the Cup Match game can experience outdoor activities including camping or picnicking at various national parks, enjoying the pink-sand South Shore beaches, spending the day on the water via boat or simply relaxing.

“There is also no shortage of evening activities or nightlife for those wishing for the festivities to continue.”

The post Cup Match | The Holiday with Something for Everyone appeared first on RG Magazines.

Summer in Bermuda is truly like no other and as we are in full swing, it’s time to prepare yourself for an extraordinary summer filled with an array of captivating events. From electrifying entertainment to dazzling cultural celebrations, Bermuda has something for everyone. Allow us to present the best of the best for Bermuda’s summer events, promising unforgettable experiences that will leave you enchanted and longing for more. Here are the top ten events happening in Bermuda this summer in no particular order that you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

CUP MATCH CLASSIC

Cup Match is truly Bermuda at its best and easily the most entertaining weekend on the calendar. Cup Match – a celebration of emancipation – is a two-day cricket match held on the last Thursday and Friday of July or the first Thursday and Friday in August. This beloved Bermudian tradition brings the island to life with passionate fans, live music, plenty libations and delicious food. This year, the game will be held at St. George’ Cricket Club on August 3rd and 4th and entry is $20 per day. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and cheer for your favourite team.

BERMUDA TRIPLE CROWN BILLFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Fishing enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship is a thrilling tournament held from July to August, attracting anglers from around the world. Watch as skilled fishermen compete to catch the biggest billfish and experience the excitement firsthand. Here are the key dates:

• Bermuda Billfish Blast July 3 – 7
• Bermuda Billfish Release Cup July 9-11
• Bermuda Big Game Classic July 13-17
• Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament July 20-24
• For more information, visit www.bermudatriplecrown.com

NON-MARINERS RACE

While this event does happen during the Cup Match weekend, it’s completely separate. The Non-Mariners race features unique, homemade boats participating in a fun race on the water. The “boats” rarely float, which adds to the humour of the non-race. There will be colourful costumes, creative boat designs and lots of fun. Non-Mariners is held the Sunday of Cup Match weekend (August 6 this year) at Mangrove Bay. The best way to attend is by boat.

BERMUDA SANDCASTLE COMPETITION

Held at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Bermuda Sandcastle Competition features gorgeous creations by masterful sculptors. The event will be held on September 2 this year at Horseshoe Bay Beach. You can either get in on the action and enter or enjoy the beautiful intricate designs. The Bermuda Sandcastle Competition is great fun for the whole family.

HARBOUR NIGHTS

Family fun is on offer every single Wednesday in the City of Hamilton thanks to Harbour Nights. The popular street festival is held from 7pm to 10pm weekly throughout the summer and showcases local dancers, musicians, artisans, food vendors, a kids zone and much more. Harbour NIghts gives residents and visitors the opportunity to sample local delicacies, purchase Bermudian crafts, enjoy traditional dancing and much more.

DESTINATION DOCKYARD

Head west this summer for Destination Dockyard with four monthly events happening during the season on the North Lawn. Destination Dockyard is a fun-filled event for the whole family featuring an array of local vendors, artists, and talented entertainers. The perfect way to spend a mid-week, family evening. The children can enjoy fun castles and a bite to eat, while the adults bask in the local entertainment and shopping. The remaining dates for Destination Dockyard are July 20 and August 24 for the “big bang” finale.

EASTERN COUNTY CRICKET GAMES

Eastern County Cricket is similar to Cup Match but at the same time, very different. The Eastern County Cricket Association (ECCA) comprises four county cricket clubs – Flatts Victoria (FVCC), Cleveland (CCCC), Bailey’s Bay (BBCC) and St. David’s (SDCCC). There are three games – the first held two weeks before Cup Match, the second game two weeks after Cup Match and the last game is two weeks after the second. Eastern County has been played since 1904 and is played at Lords at SDCCC or Sea Breeze Oval at BBCC on a year’s schedule. The atmosphere is vibrant and fun with great local food, Crown and Anchor and endless entertainment.

ST. GEORGE’S SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

This event was launched last summer and it was insanely successful! Popular vendors quickly ran out of fresh seafood and the entertainment was top notch. The event is held on Ordnance Island in St. George’s and celebrates Bermuda’s rich seafood culture. From fresh fried fish to shrimp to mussel pies to conch fritters, you’ll find it all here at this fantastic event. There will also be top notch Bermudian singers and DJs, bars serving up great cocktails and so much more. St. George’s Seafood Festival will be held on September 16 from 12 noon to 7pm.

BACCHANAL RUN

If you missed Carnival in Bermuda in June, Bacchanal Run delivers the J’ouvert vibes for a fraction of the cost. Bacchanal Run is organized by Party People and is one of the best parties over the Cup Match weekend. Hundreds of revellers head to Bernard Park for a warm up and then follow the big music truck around Pembroke for a lively, colourful party on the road with paint, powder and sprays of water. The party loops back to Bernard Park for more enjoyment with Bermuda;s top DJs and entertainers. Bacchanal Run will be held on August 5.

BERMUDA PRIDE HOMECOMING

Bermuda celebrates Pride in August and Bermuda Pride will host a number of events this year including a takeover of Harbour Nights, Open Mic Night, Pride Prom, Pride Parade and Drag Brunch. This year’s events are focused on “homecoming” and the committee invites those in the LGBTQ+ community who have left the island to return home to celebrate how far Bermuda has come and to recognize how much more work there is to do. The events will be held from August 23 to 27 in the City of Hamilton. For more info, visit www.pride.bm.

And there you have it, ten fantastic events happening in Bermuda this summer. From cultural celebrations to sporting events and food festivals, there’s something for everyone. Add these events to your calendar and enjoy the rest of the summer.

The post Bermuda Bliss appeared first on RG Magazines.

Picture a Hollywood army movie. The drill sergeant screams in the face of a young impressionable teen, breaking them down until they are nothing but robots. Well, never fear, that’s nothing like the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR)!

The army of yesteryear has evolved and developed into something much more than the stereotypes portrayed in the movies. So, with the help of Major Duncan Simons, let’s bust a few myths and explore the new generation of the army, where travel, a vibrant community, and inclusion are at the forefront.

For those of you who wish you had the time to join the RBR and serve your country, but already have a full-time job that you love, never fear. The RBR is primarily a reserve battalion, so you will have plenty of time for both. The RBR is supported by full-time staff, including leaders, trainers, logisticians, and the operational Coast Guard Unit.

Yes, that’s right, there is a Coast Guard Unit! The RBR Coast Guard is responsible for round-the-clock search and rescue operations, enforcing maritime law, and providing support to various government departments. And as a bonus, members of the Coast Guard will undergo Royal Yachting Association qualifications and train to become Marine Pilots. Now, that’s an amazing opportunity!

But what if your skill is in playing instruments rather than swimming? Well, there’s a place for you, too. On land, the RBR is most visible during national ceremonial parades, where the band leads marching troops with pride. You can march to the beat of your own drum, literally.

When a disaster hits and you want to find ways to help, but you don’t know how, joining the RBR is an amazing way to learn new skills that help you protect your community. All soldiers are trained in first aid, so you will be ready when an emergency occurs. Major Simons stated that during hurricanes, the RBR “mobilises to clear roads and secure key national infrastructure, fulfilling their Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) role.”

As a soldier, you would spend most of your training time focusing on core soldiering skills, primarily in an internal security context. All of this capability is enabled by the dedicated Logistics team, who ensure that the Regiment operates independently with minimal support.

For those of you who are looking for community, joining the RBR is like joining an extended family, as undergoing military training creates a perfect environment for bonding with your fellow recruits and other soldiers. This sense of belonging is central to mental wellbeing. Furthermore, the RBR emphasizes service, duty, and purpose, which is incredibly rewarding.

Personal development is a significant part of the RBR experience. As a soldier, you will have the opportunity to learn new technical skills, undergo leadership training, and engage in life-long learning to maintain and enhance your capabilities.

But what about your physical health? Well, guess what? Joining the RBR requires you to maintain basic fitness standards, which positively impacts both physical and mental health. And as a bonus, you won’t have to struggle to motivate yourself all alone. This is one of the many areas where the community of soldiers support one another. There is a fitness club, and numerous sports teams that you can join to help you along your path.

In addition to all of these great benefits, the RBR offers various personal development initiatives, including the Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre, a leadership program that prepares soldiers to become great leaders, and have responsibility of other soldiers. So, if you are a Soldier who demonstrates potential, you will be encouraged to take on leadership challenges and benefit from the wealth of opportunities available.

Now, let’s talk about travel opportunities. Major Simons wants you all to know that The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Commissioning Course sends about two Bermudians every year to complete an 8-week training program. Can you get any better than that? As a soldier, you “will also have the opportunity to travel overseas either on training exercises, or courses, with the Regiment headed to Guyana this summer to participate in the multinational Tradewinds Exercise.”

On commissioning, these individuals are charged with leading a platoon of 26 soldiers. Additionally, the RBR provides training in first aid, Emergency Medical Responder or Technician courses, and Royal Yachting Association qualifications for Coast Guard members.

Regardless of what stage you are in your life, whether you are just graduating from high school, or you are more mature, the RBR has a place for you.

In addition to the benefits that Major Simons shared, such as first aid training, potential travel possibilities, community and lifelong bonding possibilities, Royal Yachting Association qualifications, you can also train to become a Marine Pilot, and while many of us would do this for free, you will actually be paid up to $5,000 in your first year, with increases in following years based on experience and promotions.

When you pick up the mantle and make that decision to serve your country, you will be expected to serve about 30 days a year, spread across a two-week camp, drill nights, and weekend camps. This will allow you to balance your military service with your civilian life.

Now that you are hooked, you have a couple of options to gain further information. Major Simons says that the best way to proceed is to “speak to a serving soldier, call the RBR at 238-1045 for a tour of Warwick Camp, or visit bermudaregiment.bm/join to complete an interest form. The next intake is in July, with a mid-June deadline, making it an ideal opportunity for those who have just finished high school or college.”

So what are you waiting for?

In the words of Major Simons, “There is never a bad time to join, and many who join later in life remark that they wish they had joined earlier.”

So, whether you’re a young graduate or someone with years of life experience, don’t hesitate to explore the opportunities the RBR has to offer. The army of yesteryear may have changed, but its core values remain, and the RBR stands as a testament to the growth, development, and strength of Bermuda’s military community.

Forward march into a new chapter of your life with the Royal Bermuda Regiment!

The post Forward March appeared first on RG Magazines.

How about the Bermuda Motocross Association tackling logs, tyres and platforms on a scrambler obstacle course?

If the answer is “yes”, head to Front Street on Sunday, July 2, for the return of Motor Fest which, promises organiser and Bermuda Charge director, David Cahill, will be “jam packed with action, entertainment and exceptional display vehicles”.

For the first time, Motor Fest 2023 will include powerboats, the aforementioned scrambler obstacle course, display boats and, to celebrate the event’s five-year anniversary, Bermuda Charge has done a call for Motor Fest artwork, with a big cash prize up for grabs. The winner will be on display at the show.

Front Street, said Mr Cahill, “will come alive with more than 50 tents.” There will be an Eco-Village, a traditional village and an action arena. There will be two new categories in the Best in Show contest – custom scrambler and original (restored) scrambler – taking the total number of categories up to 13. There will be dance shows, acrobatics, skill demonstrations, Mr Fotogenik MCing and, as always, the grand finale is the big end-of day ride-out.

What is now known as Motor Fest started out in 2018 as a simple ride-out from Dockyard to Clearwater to celebrate Bermuda’s motorcycle culture. For fun, it included a small motor show at the end with just two best in show categories, best car and best motorbike.

Since then, the event has ballooned in popularity and reputation.

“The contest uncovered the island’s true passion for restoring and customising bikes and cars,” said Mr Cahill.

“Nobody else decorates their bikes like Bermuda does. So much love and attention goes into it. It’s really a tradition over here. Everybody grows up around bikes.

“It’s a rite of passage. It forms a part of the national identity. You can see that in the finished articles that we’re going to be displaying on Front Street. It’s completely authentic.”

Sponsored by Scooter Mart for the fourth year running, Motor Fest is a family-friendly event that attracts thousands of spectators. The show will open at noon and is expected to close at around 6.30pm. Entry is free.

Participants can buy tickets to do the ride-out or to enter Best In Show, or both, with $5,000 in cash prizes for the winners. Fifteen per cent of all ticket sales go to Greenrock. This year, Mr Cahill

is expecting 400 riders for the ride-out and over 100 entries across all the Best In Show categories.

In a sign of the times, electric-powered vehicles are celebrated in the Eco-Village, which last year featured a Tesla and Tesla power-wall as well as displays from many of the local electric vehicle providers.

“It’s always formed part of our mission to accelerate Bermuda’s sustainable future,” explained Mr Cahill, whose own dream vehicle is the all-electric Damon Hyper Sport motorcycle.

“To me, it represents the future of the motorcycle industry.”

Until the day comes when he can buy one however, he has settled for a Yamaha NVX bike, custom painted by Zion Thompson in a fistral blue Maclaren colour, and a Kia Nero EV.

While Mr Cahill is the man at the Motor Fest helm, it takes a huge and dedicated team of volunteers and motoring enthusiasts to pull off an event like this. He works with fellow directors Devin Page and Whitney Butterfield, with help from the Pulse Group’s Melissa Looby and Raven Pearman, as well as countless others.

“All the motorsports clubs pitch in to help as well,” he added, singling out Steve Furtado and Chris Alves of the Let’s Ride Bike Club who play a big part in setting up the show, and the Long Riders Motorcycle Club, which supplies a team to help not just with the day, but also with the police escort for the ride-out.

Mr Cahill also credits hobby motorcycle builder, Adam Diel, as having a big influence on the show’s strategy.

“He was the person who designed the very popular ‘Show Race’ at last year’s show, where regular riders competed to see who could be the slowest over a measured distance, without putting their foot down,” he said.

Originally from Devon in South West England, Mr Cahill’s own background is in large conferences and events. After moving to Bermuda he was struck by our “vivid, vibrant motor culture,” so he pitched the idea of an event to celebrate this to “local advocates” and Bermuda Charge was founded.

His ambition doesn’t stop there, however.

“It’s an event of national significance right now, and I see it becoming of international significance,” he said, adding that they have brought over international guests in the past and have had international interest in one of their race projects.

The director, operations manager and one of the racers from the International North West 200, Ireland’s biggest outdoor sporting event, are also involved.

“It’s my mission to make Bermuda famous for its scooter culture,” he declares. “When people think of Cuba they picture vintage cars, and when people think of Bermuda, I want them to picture beautifully decorated scooters and motorcycles.”

For more information about Motor Fest 2023, go to www.bermudacharge.com or follow them on Instagram @bermudacharge.

The post Bermudian motor culture showcase appeared first on RG Magazines.

The pandemic sparked an increase in demand for single family homes, new rentals and renovations that has helped to keep contractors’ order books full. And there are signs that 2023 could usher in a series of huge developments that will further add to the industry’s workload.

The largest — and the most important for the island’s economy — is the refurbishment of the Fairmont Southampton by owners Gencom. At the time of writing, Gencom had just signalled that work was due to start in the second quarter of this year, while David Burt, the Premier, said in his Budget Statement that confidence was high that it would be completed in 2024.

Alex DeCouto, of Greymane Construction, speaking in mid- February, said the months ahead would involve plenty of hard work to meet that goal.

“I know the intention was very aggressive scheduling, but it will be an absolute mammoth task to get the plans that I have seen fully executed before January 2025,” he said.

The Fairmont, where about 800 people were employed before it closed down in 2020, is more important for the Bermuda economy as a whole than it is for the local construction industry, in Mr DeCouto’s view. He expects that much of the work will be done by US contractors. Local companies that do participate will probably need to bring in extra workers from overseas, given that 30 per cent of the industry’s workforce is already non-Bermudian.

“Government’s strategy on large projects has generally been to allow those resources to come in, but to ensure that opportunities are created for Bermudians to work and advance, and I agree this is absolutely the correct strategy,” Mr DeCouto said.

Steven Barber, managing director of Commercial Glass & Aluminum Co, said that bringing in skilled overseas workers to help with major projects had spin-off benefits for his own staff. “Sometimes we have to bring people in for big projects, such as the airport,” he said. “It’s important to bring that expertise, but our guys learnt a lot from it — that’s important as well.”

Mr Barber added that large projects like the Fairmont overhaul had a beneficial ripple effect throughout the industry, even for those companies who did not win contracts.

“If one of our competitors gets a big project, we seem to get more of the smaller projects,” he said.

“In 2021, we had our best year for sales. Even though we had nothing to do with Point Place, we ended up with higher sales, because we had a greater market share of the other work.”

Other hospitality developments are also in the pipeline. The redevelopment of Ariel Sands, which will include a 33-room hotel, 21 villas and a 30-unit condominium building, was given the green light by planning authorities in May last year. Pre-construction activity is already taking place, Mr DeCouto said. And at the Nautilus Hotel Residences in Warwick, 12 units are under construction.

Mr DeCouto said there was no shortage of other hospitality properties to develop and plenty of political will, but there were economic obstacles.

“The larger projects are competing for developer interest and funding with other international projects in places like Cayman, the Turks & Caicos and Mexico, and those locations have much lower acquisition, construction and operating costs than Bermuda,” Mr DeCouto said.

“Why come to Bermuda to bet $100 million for a risky chance to make 5 per cent, when you can go to Mexico and make 20 per cent? Bermuda is very lucky to have committed developers like the Greens and Gencom who have invested very heavily and are very committed to Bermuda.”

On the residential side, there is also a clear need for development. Mr Burt said in his Budget Statement that Bermuda had an “acute housing shortage” — and the Government’s desire to see the working population grow by more than 8,000 over the next five years will only exacerbate it.

The repossessed Morgan’s Point site in Southampton, where the Government plans to build 101 residential units, as well as commercial spaces for stores and restaurants, may be part of the solution. The plan was welcomed by Mr DeCouto, who said: “It complements the strategy of increasing the working population by adding to the housing stock.”

The Government has also committed $15 million over the next three years to build new affordable housing units, while Mr Burt also opened new possibilities for developers by announcing plans to expand the eligibility for approved residential schemes from solely the Economic Empowerment Zones to the entire City of Hamilton. An added incentive for investors is that units in Hamilton will be available for purchase by “residents, businesses and international persons”.

Budgeted government capital spending in 2023-24 has been increased to $96 million with an eye on shoring up Bermuda’s creaking infrastructure. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, has previously spoken of the need to replace the Longbird Bridge and Swing Bridge.

Infrastructure development, Mr DeCouto said, is “painfully necessary — the state of our roads, bridges, retaining walls, etc. is very poor in some locations”.

On the commercial property side, both Mr DeCouto and Mr Barber are aware of the potential redevelopment of a site on Front Street. While there remains a glut of office space available in Hamilton, prime waterfront offices are much in demand, realtors have reported.

It is clear that there is much building work to be done. If funding, planning permission and the will of developers come together, 2023 could turn out to be a landmark year for Bermuda’s construction industry.

The post Major projects looking for lift off in 2023 appeared first on RG Magazines.

An injury is a pain, literally. Ranging from mildly inconvenient to utterly debilitating, an injury can completely change your life for a bit; or even permanently. Sports injuries are often worse, because they occur while you’re participating in an activity that normally brings joy and exhilaration to your life.

A sports injury will slow you down considerably, making movement uncomfortable, adding pain to everyday life and preventing an athlete – whether amateur or professional – from engaging in their most beloved pastime, which may incite a feeling of melancholy or even depression.

Having worked closely with many of Bermuda’s elite athletes on the national level, Daniel Morgan knows a thing or two about sports injuries. Currently, he brings healing to both local athletes and everyday people as the CEO of Performance Rehab Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic.

According to Mr Morgan, the sports that cause the most injuries locally are club football and rugby. This makes a lot of sense, as football is our most popular pastime and rugby is a very tough, high contact sport.

Ankles, knees, hips, spines and many other vulnerable joints and body parts are at risk every time local players take to the field of play. Of course, friendly fire is also possible, so training can cause injury too, especially if it’s full contact, intense training.

Sports like cricket, netball, softball, harness pony racing, motocross, road running, martial arts, boxing and field hockey also present very real injury risks for participants, while lower contact sports like squash, tennis and golf can bring aches and pains to practitioners as well.

Mr Morgan has seen all manner of sports injury treated in his clinic, naming lumbar spine, muscular injuries and ankle inversion injuries as the most common seen by his team.

“Most injuries seen in the clinic are acute aggravations of chronic injuries such as old injuries that either have not been fully rehabbed/ recovered, or larger injuries such as knee ligament or cartilage injuries,” he said.

Many sports injuries take a long time to fully heal. Amateur athletes tend to return to the field sooner than they probably should after injury, as they want to play and don’t have a large team of dedicated medical people to keep them from doing more damage to themselves. Therefore, chronic injuries manifest.

“Whilst the aim is to return the athlete to full 100 percent fitness, commonly, when the athlete feels no pain, and only minor dysfunction, they are prone to return to sporting activity.”

Of course, more major injuries need more intense treatment, and a longer recovery time. Often, returning to the same level of proficiency in their sport may be difficult for an athlete who suffers a major injury. Mr Morgan explained:

“The more severe the injury, the harder it will be for the athlete to return to the same level and intensity of sport – if at all possible. Injuries that previously would end a career – such as an anterior cruciate rupture – can now be fixed. With the improvement in sports medicine, and surgical procedures, the prognosis for recovery has greatly improved for the athlete who is motivated to return to their respective sport.”

Advancement in treatment and technology will always improve our chances of having our broken bodies fixed, but there will still be things that simply won’t cooperate – until we get that Star Trek medical bay equipment!

“Injuries to cartilage, and especially articular cartilage (the covering of bone in the joint), have been slower to find a route to improved recovery through surgical interventions, but innovation is proving promising for the future.”

Of course, athletes want to get back on the field as soon as possible after an injury. No one wants to deal with a lingering injury – I can say from personal experience that they are not fun, at all!

Mr Morgan discussed recovery time in relation to injury type and sport: “Rehab schedules are generally dictated by the type of injury, the stages of healing, and, if applicable, the surgical intervention.

“Anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee can take between six months to a full year before the athlete is returned to full strength. This will depend on the sport, and the amount of cutting and pivoting. Lesser injuries may take a matter of days if they are soft tissue in nature, but this will be dictated by the signs and symptoms displayed to the physiotherapist.”

This last point is very important; patients must absolutely trust and follow the instructions of their physiotherapist during rehabilitation of a sports injury. Failure to complete a physiotherapy regime can result in the injury in question becoming chronic, and you could find yourself regretting not listening to your physiotherapist twenty years later.

When it comes to injuries that require surgery, the stakes get even higher.

“Surgery without post, and possibly pre, surgery rehab can be a recipe for disaster. Getting close to full pre-injury strength, flexibility and balance is essential to not leave an athlete in a vulnerable state and at risk of reinjury.”

Unfortunately, the reality is that our bodies break down over time and injuries greatly accelerate that process if not properly rehabilitated.

“The idea that an injury is completely repaired, and the athlete now does not have to worry about it has phased out over the years. All athletes will have areas of concern from old injuries, or injuries that are associated with their specific sport. They will have specific strength and conditioning programmes to strengthen the areas that are most likely to be reinjured. In addition, as the athlete ages, normal wear and tear will also come into play, which will highlight the necessity for prehab, before injury occurs.”

Mr Morgan closed by highlighting the urgency of having “a coordinated effort between the entire coaching team, physiotherapists, multiple coaches, personal trainers, nutritionists, orthopedic and general doctors, so that they are all on the same page, especially as the athlete returns to the sport, post injury.”

The post TIME’S A GREAT HEALER appeared first on RG Magazines.

Times like these show us who we are. 

Bermuda, this is us!

This is us being competitive, being fashionable, having fun, bantering, enjoying food and drinks, camping, emancipated, celebrating. 

Video sponsored by: Lindo’s Group of Companies  

The post This is Us: Cup Match Time in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

Flora Duffy established the Flora Fund Scholarship and Bursary in 2018. 

Seven athletes have received close to $20,000 in the period since. 

In November, Gosling’s Limited announced its support of the scholarship with the creation of an additional one, the Flora Gold Endowment Fund. 

Both funds are managed by the Bermuda Foundation. 

“This is an exciting step as it provides choice for donors: they can opt to contribute to the Flora Fund for ‘here and now’ giving, where the monies can be spent immediately to assist athletes in need of help today. The Flora Gold Fund, as an endowment, is a plan for the long haul; it will provide support to Bermuda’s young athletes for decades to come,” said Myra Virgil, the charity’s CEO. 

Dame Flora, a Bermudian triathlete who won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, started the fund as a way of “ensuring that other young athletes will be enabled to follow in her steps”. 

Recipients have been aspiring triathletes, tennis players, footballers, runners and gymnasts. 

“Knowing what it costs to attain elite athlete status, the fund supports the purchase of equipment, travel, training fees, event registration fees, and coaching,” a spokesperson for the Flora Fund said. 

Since 2018, Dame Flora had financed the fund with her winnings as well as contributions from businesses and “operated as what is known as a ‘pass-through’ fund – money in, money out”. 

Inspired, Malcolm L Gosling, vice president of Gosling’s Export (Bermuda) Ltd, started thinking about how the company might assist. 

In collaboration with Dame Flora and Dan Hugo, her husband and fund adviser, he came up with “a bigger, even more enduring vision: the growth of an endowment fund to support the development of young and aspiring elite athletes, long into the future”. 

“Malcolm was a year behind Flora at Warwick Academy. He is an admirer of her and, in his own way, a champion of Bermuda. He realised that something exceptional needed to be done to mark this special moment in Bermuda’s history and so he joined with them to launch Gosling’s Flora Gold Rum,” the spokesperson said. 

“The timing and circumstances were perfectly aligned: who else would have had 70 barrels of Gold Seal Rum ageing in once-used Gosling’s Family Reserve Old Rum barrels, cool bottles, a relationship with a local design firm and a label maker willing to play ball to launch a special product within a month?” 

The first limited edition of Flora Gold Rum raised more than $18,000 towards the Flora Gold Endowment Fund’s “ambitious goal” of $1 million in one year. 

“Gosling’s has committed to donating proceeds of this new product to the Flora Gold Fund and hopes that other donors will continue to support both Flora and her philanthropic ambitions in the most meaningful ways they can,” the spokesperson added. 

Dame Flora said she considered it “a privilege” to be part of the effort. 

“Thank you to Gosling’s and the Bermuda Foundation for nudging The Flora Fund towards this long-term, sustainable direction. With enough local support for the Gold Rum, we are going to reach the $100,000 goal with Gosling’s, and that is remarkable. With that, we’re dreaming of adding another nine large donations to the endowment fund over the next year. I don’t know if that is achievable, but I am determined to try. It has been a thrill to make a small difference in a few sporting journeys since the 2018 launch.” ?

To make a donation, or for more information about the Flora Gold Fund e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bcf.bm and click Give Now 

The post The Flora Fund: helping develop Bermuda’s sporting youth appeared first on RG Magazines.