Bermuda will host an athletics meet in April that will be “like the America’s Cup of athletics”, Donna Raynor, the president of the Bermuda National Athletics Association has revealed.

Involving prize money and world-class athletes from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, the inaugural Bermuda Invitational Permit Meet will be held on Friday, April 22 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the National Stadium.

Plans for the meet were revealed yesterday by the BNAA and its partner, the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

It will feature Olympians and also showcase Bermuda’s top athletes in the 100 and 400 metres, 400 hurdles, 800, 1500, men’s long jump and women’s high jump.

“An event like this has never been witnessed in Bermuda and with world-class athletes and Olympians competing it will be like the America’s Cup of athletics,” Raynor said.

“For Bermuda to host this event the BNAA had to make a submission to NACAC, its regional association, for support and the IAAF for approval. There were several criteria for this event to be approved, including the provision of prize money for the top six in each event.”

No overseas athletes are confirmed as yet, but some have already expressed interest. Bermuda’s elite athletes such as long jumper Tyrone Smith, sprinter Tre Houston and middle-distance runner Aaron Evans will all compete.

“BNAA’s national coach, Troy Douglas, is currently in conversation with several agents and coaches, negotiating some of the top names in athletics,” Raynor said.

“We are looking at athletes coming from various places around the world and not just the US. We are in conversation with our friends in the Caribbean and Canada. Of course, with a meet of this calibre we are seeking sponsors and specifically to fund the prize money for each event which amounts to $5,000 each event for the top six.

“The event will be streamed live on the internet and we are also working on the possibility of having it televised locally and internationally.”

The Bermuda Invitational is one of a series of permit meets that are being held in the region, starting in Bahamas, then Bermuda, Cayman Island and Jamaica.

“At this time the events are conducted separately but it is hoped that at some point they will become a circuit,” Raynor said.

“As this is an Olympic year, athletes are looking for venues that are close by to compete in, and Bermuda is very convenient. It is just a hop away from the US, Canada and Caribbean.”

Raynor anticipates having an even bigger crowd at the National Stadium than those for the Carifta Games in 2012.

“The BNAA will be looking to feature athletes who have already met the Olympic standards or are trying to qualify for Rio,” Raynor said.

“This event will give Bermuda the opportunity to see high-level athletes in action, and Bermuda can come out and see athletes who they will be watching on TV during the Olympics.

“The BNAA is very excited about this opportunity and is pleased to have the BTA as a partner in this venture. It is expected that the event will boost the tourism numbers during this time as not only the athletes will travel to this event but also agents, coaches and spectators.”

The BTA view the meet as another opportunity to boost tourism on the Island through sports.

“In the same way that the Danish national swim team is here in Bermuda using our national pool to train for the Olympics, we will have some of the brightest stars in athletics competing on our track in about three months,” Pat Phillip-Fairn, the chief product and experiences development officer, said.

Information about the event, including ticket purchasing, can be found on the website www.bnaa.bm

Tickets go on sale on February 29 and can also be purchased at Pulp & Circumstance and Fabulous Fashions.

About 150 VIP tickets will be available for $52. Covered seating tickets will be sold for $27 and general seating tickets for $12.