island armed with the knowledge of what it will take to improve and compete in their chosen disciplines.

And a highlight of the trip occurred when they posed for a picture with world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield outside his Atlanta home.

With support from Centre Reinsurance the group, together with coach Steve Burgess, was able to travel overseas and take part in a week-long track and field training camp at Indiana University and compete at a meet at Emory University in Georgia.

Teammates Kevin Smith, Stephen Hall, Keivon Richardson, Collin Anderson, Quennel Robinson, Mandisa Robinson and Giovanna Watson, along with 200 other athletes, were awakened at 6.00 each morning to be put through rigorous training sessions by various universty coaches and a number of senior elite athletes. The work often did not end until 8.30 p.m.

"They really stressed flexibility and speed so that you could do events to the best of your ability,'' said 16-year-old decathlete Hall. "There were also a lot of drills to help with technique.'' Hall and Smith are both budding decathletes, who have shown talent in a range of track and field events. Hall was spotted performimg in the javelin at Springfield University in Massachusetts where it was suggested that he try mastering the decathlon.

"Me and Steve (Burgess) have been growing together as he was really just a track coach before I got into this (decathlon),'' said Smith, also 16. "The only problem I have is in the pole vault with there not being any real facilities in Bermuda for it.'' Education is a main reason for Burgess' pusuit of overseas competitions and clinics for his youngsters, with the possibilty of scholarships being offered.

Said Burgess: "I lose them but somebody gains them...and they hopefully gain an education.'' IN HEAVY COMPANY -- Hamilton Harriers teammates pose with world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield outside his home in Atlanta. From left, Giovanna Watson, Keivon Richardson, Holyfield and Mendissa Robertson.