Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) are attempting to become the next sport on the Island to receive extensive Government funding to enhance their athletes' chances of excelling at the highest level.

The association have put together a presentation to be handed to Sports Minister El James which, according to BTFA officials, encompasses many areas that need to be addressed in order for local athletes to regain the dominant status they once enjoyed.

Former top athlete and current spokesperson for the governing body, Donna Watson, who has taken a key role in drawing up the plans, said that although it "was fine and dandy to race and compete against each other" it was the preparation for training and overseas meets, that would get local track and field back on course.

"The presentation was received positively on Wednesday night by the affiliates with us looking at moving on several of our initiatives we have presented," said Watson. "The coaching we are looking to have in place is specific event coaching.

"Right now we have a national coach that oversees all athletes no matter what discipline. So we will be looking to implement specific coaches for specific disciplines.

"In this arena, it will help the athlete as they will be getting guidance from a coach who has that specific skill.

"On top of this, we are also looking to increase the number of overseas competitions we attend to help out athletes. In our build-up to Carifta, we continually lack match-racing practice.

"We want to send our kids to a few meets in the Caribbean where they are also preparing for the same events as we are.

"As an administration, we need to get our acts together. As volunteers we can only do so much. That's why we are looking for full-time positions.

"A full-time administration will help us in communication with other Caribbean countries.

"If you look at the Olympics, a lot of Caribbean countries had people medal, so why can't we? That is our mentality.

"All these things we are looking at and know that it won't happen overnight, but we are putting together initiatives to take us in the right direction. For this to work, all affiliated clubs have to buy into what we are trying to do.

"We must be adamant about this plan in order for it to work.

"Once we hear from Government we can decisively say, ok this is how we will move forward."

** Veteran road runner Mike Rickards has again come out on top in his age group at the prestigious Falmouth Race in Massachusetts.

The fomer Police footballer, who won his division at the same race last year, led the way in the Over-65s, completing the seven-mile course in 57 minutes and 22 seconds, some seven seconds slower than his time in 2007.

But he won his division by over a minute.