founding member in the early 1970s, recognised his contribution to the sport on Friday night.

The occasion was the reception for returning athletes from the Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago during which BTFA director Garry Wilkinson presented a plaque to Benjamin's widow, Norma Benjamin, to mark his dedication to track and field.

"I deeply regret he could not be here for this very special occasion,'' said Wilkinson.

The former top road runner noted that Benjamin would have been pleased by the performances of Bermuda's athletes at Carifta, especially Raneika Bean's record breaking 100 metres time of 11.28 seconds.

"If there was anyone who kept a very good pulse as to the performances around the world it was certainly he and I know Raneika's performances in particular, as well as the performances of the other athletes, would have been logged immediately into his computer.

"This is a service award and we had intended on presenting this to Mr.

Benjamin at our first President's Reception. Unfortunately he fell ill and was our guest speaker, but could not make it.

"So we kept it and every time an opportunity presented itself, unfortunately he was not very well. However, we felt this would be a great opportunity.'' Benjamin, a former educator, died earlier this year after a long illness. Also recognised on Friday night was the CAC Cross-Country team of Tracy Wright, Sheldon Thompson, Jay Donawa, Jamal Hart and Manuel Lopes for their recent participation in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Randy Benjamin