talent go to waste.

So he's doing something about.

Burgess, still regarded as one of Bermuda's finest middle distance runners, is inviting all athletes, parents and fitness enthusiasts to a free athletic seminar tomorrow night at the Belmont Hotel.

"The only objective is to encourage people to participate in their chosen sport as best they can.'' said Burgess, who still holds the national 800 metres record.

And Burgess, now a professional fitness consultant and personal trainer, has recruited plenty of help for the 7.30 p.m. seminar.

Brian Wellman, the Bermuda Olympian and world's fifth-ranked triple jumper, Jay Donawa, one of the top distance runners on the Island, and Penn State University women's track and field coach Wendy Truvillion will all be on hand to lend some guidance.

Truvillion, a friend of Burgess from their university days -- she went to LSU, he went to the University of Georgia -- is vacationing in Christmas holidays and agreed to join Burgess in one of his pet projects: Getting youths -- particularly girls -- to improve themselves through athletics.

And what better way than through US university and college scholarships, he says.

"I see so much talent here. (But) many schools still find difficulty in attracting young girls,'' said Burgess.

Earning scholarships is just one of several topics on tomorrow night's slate.

"I wish I could do more,'' said Burgess, who doubles as a track and field commentator. "I'm just a little guy trying to do a big job.'' Steve Burgess