from Guernsey A story appearing in the Guernsey Evening Press titled `Bermudans (sic) impress Holden' painted Bermuda as a country that well supported its athletes and an inspiration to other small islands, such as Guernsey, which offers little for sports enthusiasts.

Key to the story was Brian Holden, who competed in January's Bermuda International Marathon, placing 15th in a time of two hours, 55 minutes, 16 seconds. It was the 46-year-old's 32nd marathon, but first in more than two years.

Holden, who visited at the invitation of former GIAAC club-mate Steve Davies, now a resident of Bermuda, was said to have been taken aback by the enthusiasm and backing for sport here, considering our size.

Mentioned was the impending departure of the ICC cricket squad, the fact that Bermuda had three competitors in track at the Summer Olympics, as well as Shawn Goater playing professional soccer for Bristol City.

Also highlighted were the quality of athletes involved -- both past and present -- in International Race Weekend, giving examples of Ireland's Marcus O'Sullivan, Kenyan Stephen Nyamu, Paul Evans of Britain and South Africa's Elaina Meyer among those competing this year, while also noting past participants Steve Cram and American Joe Falcon.

Falsely reported, however, was Bermuda's involvement in World Cup soccer qualifying and National Stadium being able to seat in the region of 10,000 -- Bermuda currently is involved in qualifying for the Shell/Umbro Cup, while the stadium actually seats closer to 6,000.

In closing the writer noted how Holden left "not only admiring the island and its quality of life, but also its commitment to support at governmental level'' and begged the question: "If Bermudans can do it then why can't Guernsey?'' Guernsey is the second largest of the Channel Islands situated off the western edge of France, south of England.

NEWSPAPER NJ