wide range of programmes within the Ministry of Youth Development, Sport and Recreation.

But how the money will be allocated will not be known until after the deadline for the sports governing bodies to make their requests to the Ministry.

"We have to wait until the official Budget presentation to officially know what we have,'' explained Ministry director, Anthony Roberts yesterday.

"The deadline is next Friday for the governing bodies to get in their requests.'' Roberts said the Minister, Dr David Dyer, will officially announce how the funds will be distributed next month, when he addresses the House of Assembly.

However, Finance Minister Grant Gibbons did indicate in yesterday's Budget that the $276,000 increase in funding will include $100,000 in grants to sporting organisations for drug screening and to strengthen the administration of soccer and cricket.

As well, $107,000 will go toward to managing the new Kindley sports areas at the former baselands -- including $68,000 for two staff positions -- and $84,000 for an after-school programme at Victor Scott School.

Grants to the Ministry will increase to $1.155 million, up from $1.055 a year ago.

Just how much will go to the various sports bodies remains to be seen, but cricket and soccer have busy international programmes this year.

The national soccer team left yesterday for two Shell/Umbro Cup qualifying matches in Kingston, Jamaica, while the cricketers depart in March for the ICC Tournament in Malaysia.

Bermuda Cricket Board of Control president Ed Bailey confirmed yesterday that the national cricket team had applied for grants to help assist the team with expenses in Malaysia.

Any money given would go towards accomodation expenses for the team. At $35,000 for airline tickets alone to fly 18 team members to Malaysia, Bailey estimates the total cost would be "$80,000 easily.'' The BCBC is also hosting an International Youth Tournament this summer.

The national soccer squad is also expected to receive additional funds to assist their programme. They recently launched a six-year international programme for youth and senior national teams.

BFA officials could not be reached from comment yesterday.