Bascome 'honoured' to be Island Games flag-bearer (update)

Jensen Bascome has been named as Bermuda’s flag-bearer for the Island Games opening ceremony.

The tennis player, 33, is a stalwart of the country’s Davis Cup side and has enjoyed a long rivalry with the island’s other leading player, Gavin Manders.

The two will team up on home soil for the Games, with Bascome competing in the men’s doubles, mixed doubles and men’s team event.

First, though, he will have the honour of leading the host nation during the opening ceremony on Saturday, July 13 at the National Sports Centre.

Bascome, who has represented Bermuda in three Island Games and won three golds, told the Bermuda Sun: "I’m delighted to have the honour to be the flag-bearer, especially as it’s on home soil. It’s always an honour to represent your country.

"I think the parade is always a memorable time when the teams come together and being at home definitely gives it added value.

"I was surprised. It’s definitely not something I really thought about but it’s an honour to have the opportunity.

"It’ll probably hit me a bit more when the moment comes but in terms of Island Games this is right up there (in my career). It’s important to me."

Bascome said the opening ceremony will be a proud moment for his family but admitted he hadn't had much chance to tell those closest to him.

He said: "I only found out last night on the phone so I haven't had a chance to tell people apart from my wife – and she was pretty excited!

"I got a phone call and was asked whether I would like to do it and of course I accepted. It's a big honour and I mean that wholeheartedly. To get the chance to do it in my own country is something special and I take it to heart."

Meanwhile, gymnast Samantha Soares has been selected as the Water Bearer for Bermuda. The 13-year-old will take part in the Water Ceremony, an integral part of the Opening Ceremony where each participating team will add water from his or her island into a water feature to symbolize the unity and coming together of the Games.