The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, was pleased to welcome the President of World Athletics, Lord Sebastian Coe CH, KBE, to the Cabinet Office earlier today.
Lord Coe is in Bermuda for this weekend's Chubb Triangle Challenge events, and is the guest speaker at the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Dinner, which is presented and hosted by Global Atlantic Re.
Also present at today's meeting was the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Sen. Owen Darrell, JP, as well as Bermuda National Athletics Association President, Donna Raynor.
Ms. Raynor, who currently serves on the World Athletics Council, has worked alongside Lord Coe for a number of years, most recently at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
At today's meeting topics of discussion included the importance of nurturing Bermuda's young and amateur sports talent; providing resources so that Bermuda's elite athletes can compete on the world stage; the significance of Lord Coe's sport's legacy; and his charitable foundation which focuses on well-being through sport, health, education, and science.
Following the visit, Premier Burt said, “It was an honour to meet with Lord Sebastian Coe and welcome him to Bermuda. Part of our discussion centred around the crucial role that sports play in fostering community spirit and national pride. We also chatted about the importance of providing support and opportunities for elite athletes from small islands like Bermuda so that they can shine on the global stage.
“We also spoke about the benefit of events like the Chubb Triangle Challenge. This is a sports event that not only is a key driver for our tourism industry, but it's where we get to see young running stars in the making over the course of these events. So, we had a very good and engaging meeting, and I look forward to cheering all our local participants during the Chubb Triangle Challenge events.”
In addition to being President of World Athletics Association, Lord Coe was also a well-known, highly accomplished British middle-distance runner who won four Olympic medals in the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games, consisting of two golds in the 1500 metres and two silvers in the 800 metres. During his athletic career, Lord Coe set a total of 12 world records in the 800 metres, 1500 metres, and mile. He retired from competitive athletics in 1990 and was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1991. Lord Coe was also the Chair of the Organizing Committee for the 2012 Olympic Games. In 2006, Coe received Knighthood and was later made a Companion of Honour in 2013.
Also, attending today's visit was Mia Bean, BNAA Board Member and Helen Delany, member of World Athletics.
To learn more about the Chubb Triple Challenge events, visit www.bermudatrianglechallenge.com.