Freddie Evans can hardly wait for the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix to return to the island’s shores for the second straight year.

The Bermuda National Athletics Association president is eagerly counting the days until the international track meet again takes centre stage at Flora Duffy Stadium on May 20 to 21.

“It’s exciting and my motto is sports build people, people build nations,” Evans told The Royal Gazette.

“This is one of those things that will help us work on our social development, help young people get inspired to do great things and I just can’t wait.”

The Royal Gazette reported last December that the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix will be a part of USA Track & Field’s 2023 outdoor season.

The prestigious event is a collaboration between partners Bermuda Tourism Authority, USA Track & Field, Puma Track League and sponsors Athene Life Re Limited, and will again provide a platform for local athletes to compete against Olympians, world and national champions.

It is the fifth stop on the World Athletics Continental Tour – Gold, in which participants will earn valuable world ranking points across 16 events.

The USATF Bermuda Grand Prix offers the island international exposure as it will again be broadcast live on NBC in the United States and Caribbean and aligns with the objectives of the BTA’s sports tourism initiative.

“The partnership between the USATF and Bermuda Tourism Authority continues to elevate the island’s profile as Bermuda is the only destination outside of the United States to host a USATF Grand Prix,” Tracy Berkeley, the BTA chief executive, said.

“Sports tourism continues to prove that it has a place within our island and aligns with our own organisational objectives.

“We have proven countless times before that Bermuda is always prepared and can successfully host global athletes at world class events. The USATF Bermuda Grand Prix 2023 will be no different.

“We eagerly await all participants of this year’s track and field showcase which will be held on May 20 and 21. It is sure to be a weekend of dynamic and exhilarating competition.”

An Olympic qualifier relay and Move More Bermuda Games masters meet are two new additions to the event which will again feature the Run Jump Throw Clinic to be facilitated by local and American Olympians and Athene Fastest Kid on the Rock Race.

“We are excited to announce the welcome addition of Olympic qualifier relay events and some of the most inspirational athletes I have witnessed, our masters athletes, who drive home the importance of a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle,” Hazel Clark, the BTA director of global sales and business development and former US Olympic middle-distance runner, said.

Natasha Scotland Courcy, the Athene Life Re Ltd chief executive, said her company is again thrilled to be on board as title sponsor.

“When we were approached again to commit to this prestigious event it was an easy one to say yes to,” she said. “We are happy to be the main sponsor of this event again this year for the second year in a row.

“We are proud to be a part of this because it brings much exposure to our local track and field talent in Bermuda. It’s an opportunity for Athene to support our athletic community here which is extremely talented.

“We also look at this as an opportunity to support the wider community in Bermuda and, to that end, we are the title sponsor of the Athene Fastest Kid on the Rock Race to help develop our youth and the island’s future athletes.”

Tickets for the upcoming event are now available and can be purchased online at BDATix.bm.