Island Construction Services have come forward to sponsor two middle-distance races at next month’s Bermuda Invitational Permit Meet at the National Sports Centre.

Zane DeSilva, the ICS owner, yesterday presented a cheque for $3,000 to Donna Raynor, the president of the Bermuda National Athletic Association, who are staging the meet on Friday, April 22, which they are hosting in conjunction with the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

It comes a few days after another company, Bermuda HealthCare Services came forward with a similar amount to sponsor the 400 and 800 metres races after hearing about the BNAA’s struggle to attract sponsorship for the meet, which will feature top overseas athletes.

“Island Construction and Island Tyres are happy to announce today that we will be sponsoring the men’s 1,500 and ladies’ 1,500 metres, the longest runs in this event,” DeSilva said.

“It gives us great pleasure at Island to make this donation. The BNAA is trying to get sponsors for the 12 events at the championships at $1,500 per event and so far Bermuda HealthCare have done two, we are doing two and not only am I happy to make this presentation to Donna [Raynor] today but I’m challenging other businesses in Bermuda to see if they can come to the wicket and sponsor one of the remaining eight events.”

These days DeSilva is a keen golfer, but he has never forgotten his time as a track- and-field athlete.

“Back in the day when I was a little bit fitter both my wife [Joanne] and I represented Bermuda in the CAC Cross-Country Championships, one at Belmont and one at Ocean View,” he said.

The funds raised will be used as prize money for the events, with the meet serving as a fundraiser for the BNAA who have overseas meets this year, including next weekend’s Carifta Games where they will have a team of 13 competing.

Raynor said: “I would like to thank Island Construction for this $3,000 donation towards the Bermuda Invitational Permit Meet. As I stated before, it is going to be a fantastic event. We’re looking at Olympians and athletes trying to qualify for the Olympics.

“It’s going to be an event not to be missed and we are grateful for this and would love other companies to come on board. We are using this event to raise money to help other young athletes to compete overseas and to get athletic scholarships.”