Bermuda Track and Field Association are going to have ?to clean up their act? if Government are to help them save International Race Weekend.

International athletes are still owed thousands of dollars by the BTFA in prize money from this year and despite Government offering an $80,000 lifeline to save next year?s event, it is obvious that the athletics body need to undergo an administrative overhaul if faith can be restored in the event that was originally cancelled late last week.

Despite assurances last night from BTFA director Wayne Raynor that cheques were sent out on Friday to this year?s winners, the elite athletes have had to endure eight months without their prize money with no indication of when they might receive it.

Double Front Street Mile winner James Thie, 10K winner Patrick Nthiwa, Phillip Sly, third-place finisher in the 10K and half-marathon and Mile third-place finisher Christian Hesch are among those known to still be owed cash from this year?s triumphs and are thought to be concerned in the light of the debacle which is dragging down Bermuda?s sporting reputation.

Winnings from 2003 were only paid in September of that year, with this year?s yet to materialise with athletes and their agents having expressed serious concern about whether their cheques would ever be sent out.

Local athletes have also suffered similar problems with bouncing cheques and non-payment now becoming de rigueur for those who triumph in what should be one Island?s premier sporting events.

When informed of the non-payment of this year?s prize money, Sports Minister Dale Butler ? who last week branded the BTFA administration ?sports terrorists? ? would only state: ?It is unfortunate. But it is not our race, so it is none of my cotton-picking business. They have assured us they are professional and we have to take their word at that but it certainly remains to be seen.?

Tourism Minister Ewart Brown, who proclaimed the race was ?on, big time? despite the BTFA?s announcement to the contrary on Thursday, again restated his position that ?we are on schedule?.

When asked whether the Government cash hand-out was dependent on the BTFA making assurances they would pay out last year?s winners and avoid further embarrassment in the future by continuing to fulfil their infamous reputation as slow-payers, he replied: ?Absolutely, it does need to be cleaned up.

?There is no need for posturing and threats but this does need to be cleaned up so we can enjoy a productive partnership and a bright future.?

David Barber?s generous donation appears to have saved the event for 2005, although not yet its credibility.

The philanthropist may have been prepared to plug the funding gap but corporate sponsors have yet to make similar commitments, leaving the event to rely on 11th-hour backing to survive ? all of which has come since last week?s surprise cancellation announcement, made without Government?s knowledge and with BTFA president Judith Simmons off the Island.