Local hero Jah-Nhai Perinchief is adamant that the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix, taking place at the Flora Duffy Stadium tomorrow can inspire the island’s next generation of aspiring athletes.

Perinchief, who is set to line up among a stellar field of athletes in the triple jump including two-times Olympic gold medal-winner Christian Taylor, Will Claye and Donald Scott, believes that it is great to have such an event in Bermuda as it serves as added motivation for the up-and-coming talent.

“It means a lot, growing up we had Tyrone Smith, a long jumper, we got to see him come for trials here and there but having an actual professional meet, I don’t think I ever saw that as a young athlete growing up,’’ said Perinchief.

The 25-year-old, who won bronze at the Commonwealth Games last year, is of the view that the event can truly establish itself if it continues to be part of the annual sporting calendar.

“Being a small island and allowing the youth to see the calibre of athletes we can bring to Bermuda and have an event like this, it gives hope, it’s something special, if we can continue, it will grow into something bigger than it already is,’’ he added.

Canadian sprinter Andre De Grasse is also relishing the opportunity to make his debut in the meet. The six-times Olympic medal-winner, who is one of the main attractions in this year’s event, will be lining up in both the 100 and 200 metres.

“I want to enjoy the atmosphere and hopefully I can put on a good show for the fans in Bermuda,” he said.“ It is my first time, there is going to be some good races, a lot of good competition.

“They have brought a lot of international athletes here, so its going to be fun.

“It is good for the children because they are going to see a lot of their favourite athletes.

“I am looking forward to having some fun, enjoying the races and enjoy the event with the people here in Bermuda.”

After being forced to spend time on the sidelines last year owing to a foot injury, De Grasse has been working his way back to full fitness, having been in action at the Doha Diamond League at the beginning of this month.

He will be using the Bermuda Grand Prix as part of his continued preparation for the World Championships, which are being held in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19 to 27.

“I am feeling good and healthy again, so now is just about trying to get into shape again because it’s been a while,” he added.

“I started my season late coming off an injury, that’s why I am doing two races, just to get back into shape, get fit and see where I am going into the next couple of races leading up to the World Championships.”

Competing in both the 100 and 200 metres will give De Grasse an opportunity to see what progress he has made ahead of deciding which discipline to enter at the World Championships.

He is looking to run a season’s best in both the 100 and the 200, with a particular desire to run under ten seconds in the shorter distance.

Fans are in for a treat with De Grasse set to go up against Noah Lyles, the United States 200 metres record-holder after he ran 19.31sec at last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, to better Michael Johnson’s 19.32 achieved at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

In the women’s 200, Abby Steiner, of the US, and Bahamian Anthonique Strachan are the ones to watch.

Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the 100 hurdles world leader and Olympic gold medal-winner, from Puerto Rico, and Steven Gardiner, of the Bahamas, are among the other standout names in action.