Four members of Bermuda's 1996 Olympic team received a warm welcome home yesterday during a special ceremony at City Hall.

And despite the fact that of the nine local Olympians only sailors Peter Bromby, Lee White, and Malcolm Smith, and runner Devon Bean returned to the Island, they travelled in style in convertible cars with Bermuda Olympic Committee officials under Police escort.

Dressed in bright blue blazers and yellow Bermuda shorts -- which they sported during the opening ceremony of the Olympics two weeks ago -- the athletes arrived at City Hall to the tune of "Hail to Bermuda'' played by Shine Hayward and band.

Acting Premier Quinton Edness thanked the athletes for what they did for Bermuda.

And Mr. Edness noted that although no one had won a medal, they all gave a good performance.

"Bermuda was able to reach very good points in the semi-finals and did well in all the heats,'' he said. "The Bermudian athletes beat out a large number of countries.'' Acting Mayor William Frith said the Olympic team was "a great source of pride'' for Bermuda.

Mr. Frith said he felt the Bermudians were the best dressed at the Opening ceremony and that they had the "best knees in the world''.

He described the team as world class athletes and congratulated them for the sacrifice they had to make to be a part of the "last Olympic Games of the millennium''.

Mr. Frith also thanked the athletes for lifting the spirits of Bermuda. And he stressed that they were all winners in the eyes of Bermuda's people.

Sports Minister Tim Smith, who attended the Olympics, spoke of the variety of people at the Atlanta Games.

He said although many medals were won during the Games, many athletes found that just being there made the Olympics special.

Mr. Smith added that he was glad the Bermuda athletes were just as committed to their sports now as they were before the Games and said he supported them and the athletes that will follow.

Sports director Brenton Roberts pointed out that Bermuda was not the only nation that had not won a medal at the Olympics.

"I am very proud of the Bermudian athletes world class performance,'' Mr.

Roberts said.

He then acknowledged each of the athletes' individual achievements and congratulated them on their effort in the Games.

Secretary General of Bermuda Olympic Association John Hoskins said this year's team was the smallest team in a long time, but also the best prepared.

And Chef de Mission Philip Guishard, who co-ordinated the team effort in Atlanta, said he was pleased with the cohesiveness and co-operation of the team members.

He thanked them for assisting him in managing the team. He also thanked Bermuda for its support.

Following yesterday's ceremony, the athletes and officials enjoyed a lunch at Elbow Beach Hotel.

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