in which this month's CAC Cross Country Championships were run at Belmont Golf Course.

And the presence at the event of Puerto Rico's Amadeo Francis could eventually lead to Bermuda hosting other major athletic events such as the Carifta Games and the CAC athletic championships.

Bermuda Track and Field Association president Stanley Douglas said that Francis, the IAAF regional representative, made particular mention of his satisfaction with the way in which the event was organised.

"He told us that it was the best ever CAC Cross Country Championships that he had seen,'' said Douglas. "So that shows how impressed he was with our organisational efforts.''.

While handling another major international event isn't in the BTFA's immediate plans, Douglas said it was reassuring to know that athletics' top brass had given the association a vote of confidence.

But he was quick to point out that such an endeavour would require more commitment from the general public.

"I certainly am not going to put the BTFA in a position where they host a major event and then become insolvent,'' added Douglas. "But I would think that we would love to do it in time.

"There is so much to consider.

"For example, it was stated that if Bermuda were to take on say the CAC Championships there would be a budget out there for it. If we could raise maybe $60,000, it's possible that a similar amount would be received from the IAAF to assist in staging the event.'' Douglas noted that Francis' positive comments had not only been directed at the association, but also aimed at the many helpers who gave their time and commitment to the cross country.

Francis, according to the president, was impressed by the age spread among those who assisted, noting that similar involvement by all segments of the community was not nearly as prevalent in other countries.

"He was simply overwhelmed by our organising capabilities from Thursday when he arrived to right up to the completion on Saturday when he expressed again his total satisfaction at the prize presentation,'' said Douglas.