Bermuda HealthCare Services has rallied to support the upcoming Bermuda Invitational Permit Meet by sponsoring two events at next month’s meet at the National Stadium, National Sports Centre.

Dr Ewart Brown, the founder and executive chairman of Bermuda Healthcare Services, is urging other companies to come on board to support the Bermuda National Athletics Association’s meet, which is attracting top athletes from the Caribbean, United States, Canada and Nigeria.

They will compete with leading Bermuda athletes Tyrone Smith, Tre Houston, Aaron Evans, Chayce Smith and Shianne Smith during the two-hour meet.

“To a certain extent this type of fundraising a month or so before the event should really not be necessary,” said Dr Brown after he presented Donna Raynor, president of the BNAA, a cheque for $3,000 to sponsor two of the races, the 400 and 800 metres, on behalf of Bermuda HealthCare Services and Brown-Darrell Clinic.

Dr Brown, a former middle-distance runner who competed in the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica in 1966, was referring to remarks last week by Raynor that the BNAA was struggling to find sponsorship for the event which could force the organisers to cut back on prize money.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority is partnering with the BNAA to put on the meet.

“There should be adequate sponsorship for our athletes in place so that we don’t have to scrape to make ends meet,” Brown, the former Premier, said.

“I’m urging the private sector and the public sector to come forward and make sure that this event is a tremendous success.

“We’re here this morning to make a gesture of support for the Bermuda National Athletic Association, in particular support for its Bermuda Invitational Meet.

“It is important for Bermudians, both as individuals and businesses, to support our athletes. It is important not just because they’re pursuing noble goals but because it adds to the strength of the fibre of our society, and we could surely use some strength in that fibre right now.

“Bermuda HealthCare Services has decided to sponsor two races at the track meet. Each race requires $1,500 of financial support and Bermuda HealthCare is getting the ball rolling with other businesses and asking them to chip in and support our Bermudian athletes.

“I’ve already made a couple of phone calls and I think I’ve got a positive response from a couple of people who will come to the wicket and support our athletes.”

Raynor expressed gratitude for the sponsorship.

“On behalf of the Bermuda National Athletics Association I would like to thank Bermuda HealthCare Services for coming on board and becoming a sponsor of the Bermuda Invitational Permit Meet,” she said.

“This is an event not to be missed, with elite athletes competing against our Bermuda athletes on Bermuda soil.

“All lanes have been filled and we are finalising names as we speak.

“We are using this event as one of our major fundraisers, therefore we are hoping to get companies, organisations to sponsor one of the events at $1,500. Dr Brown reached out to me and BHCS has come on board, sponsoring two our events.”

Raynor is promising two hours of exciting track and field with such events as the 100 and 400 metres, 400 hurdles, 800, 1,500, men’s long jump and women’s high jump.

“If anybody remembers Carifta 2012 and the commentator that we had, Mr Keith Joseph, he will be here to add more excitement to the event,” Raynor revealed.

“As he told you ‘bring our your pots and pans and lets have fun’.

“We will have athletes from Jamaica, Canada, Bahamas, US, Nigeria and of course our own Bermuda athletes. Bring out your country flags as this will not be an ordinary track meet. If you have ever seen any of the European track meets you are in for a treat.”

Tickets have gone on sale and can be purchased at www.bnaa.bm/BdaMeet.

The event will be held on Friday, April 22.