penalty for attempting to assault a top track and field official.

But he is still hopeful that something positive will come out of his long disciplinary hearing last Friday evening.

The athlete has been charged with attacking Bermuda Track and Field Association vice president Stanley Douglas during the Heritage Classic at National Stadium last July.

DeSilva, who has never denied the offence, is said to have approached Douglas with a clenched fist before the official was shoved to the ground. It took the assistance of other officials to restrain DeSilva from causing physical harm.

The committee named by the BTFA to hear the appeal, headed by chairman Val Caesar, met with DeSilva just under three hours and they have made it clear that their report will be handed on to the association which will eventually make the final decision on what suspension, if any, will be handed down.

DeSilva said that he was satisfied with what transpired during the meeting as it gave him the satisfaction of getting various points across.

"No matter what happens to me the important thing is that the many youngsters involved in track and field in Bermuda get the opportunity to advance,'' said the athlete.

"What's the sense of having a great track and other facilities there at National Stadium and continue to operate with a programme that is far below satisfaction.'' DeSilva was extremely appreciative to the committee who were patient with him, always willing to let him express his concern about various issues that he brought up.

He has not been totally convinced that the BTFA would be sensitive to his claims that he was "provoked'' into attacking Douglas, but he is prepared to face and live up to whatever disciplinary action that is handed out.

"I still believed my progress was hindered last year when I was attempting to get financial help to go abroad to make qualifying times for the Olympics.

I find it strange that athletes can be brought here to compete against Brian Wellman and others, yet when I was trying to attend meets abroad I had to find my own funding,'' said DeSilva.

"But this is just one aspect of my concerns. My real concern is for the kids up there at National Stadium who are training hard but don't know what they are training for at times.'' "I question the programme, there has to be a change within the BTFA and that is one of the stronger statements I made to the committee.'' DeSilva indicated that there was a time when it looked like track and field would prosper in Bermuda, but he noted that it was several years ago and this surely was not the case right now.

He said that the sport now is clearly taking a back seat to road running with BTFA officials showing more interest in that than towards the progress of the youngsters who are putting a lot of effort into developing themselves in track and field.

"Road running is just taking over. The BTFA make big efforts to bring in people for events like the Front Street Mile, but there is too little effort to give similar assistance to the programme at National Stadium,'' said DeSilva.

"It is not important what happens to me. No matter what action they may eventually take, my goals are to see track and field progress here in Bermuda.'' NICK-COLE DESILVA -- Allowed to voice his concerns.