Bermuda will join 161 other countries in competing in the annual IAAF World Athletics Day later this month.

It will be first time in a number of years the Island has participated in the worldwide festival of youth sport, which will see each country stage the event some time this month.

Bermuda's World Athletics Day will he hosted by The Flyers Track Club for all local schools at the National Sports Centre (NSC) on May 22 from 4 p.m.

Donna Watson, Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president, said: "This will be the first time in a long time that Bermuda will be participating and we are hoping to have a great turnout." said.

The IAAF World Athletics Day was launched in 1996 for youngsters who were members of clubs affiliated to IAAF Member Federations.

In recent years the scope of the project has broadened to include the participation of schoolchildren in individual and team competitions.

Watson added: "Upon the recommendation of the IAAF Sustainable Development Commission, Member Federations have been strongly urged to implement the IAAF Green Project in association with the IAAF World Athletics Day, in order to help build the awareness of the youth on issues concerning sustainable development and environment protection.

"On that note we are hoping to plant a cedar tree somewhere at the National Sports Centre (NSC)."

All of the regular track events will be held including a four to six age group 400 metres event for the younger children and a 1500 metres for any athlete participating in the May 24 Marathon.

Watson said Bermuda Football Association as well as all other national sporting bodies had been invited to encourage their athletes to participate in either individual events or entering a relay team in the 4X100 metres.

"It is the IAAF Athletics' World Plan as well as the BTFA to make athletics the number one sport in schools. The World Athletics Day is also being organised in close cooperation with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. These athletic activities are open to boys and girls from seven to 18 years old."

The first 100 athletes to register will receive a World Athletics Day T-shirt and all participants will receive World Athletic Day participation certificate.

Entry forms should be returned to the BTFA office, Burnaby Hill, next to the BFA office by Thursday.

IAAF World Athletics

Day schedule

4 p.m. long jump

4 p.m high jump

4 p.m. 1500m

4 p.m. 1500m

4.20 p.m. 100m

4.40 p.m. 400m 5 p.m. 400m

5 p.m. shot put

5 p.m. triple jump

5.15 p.m. 800m

5.30 p.m. 200m

5.45 p.m. 3000m/5000m

6.30 p.m. 4X100m relay