presence of several quality overseas swimmers expected to raise the level of competition.

Three Canadian national team members along with one Puerto Rican international and the always-strong Brevard Swim Club have accepted invitations from the Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (BASA) and will arrive today in preparation for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday meet.

Leading the way is Ricardo Busquet, a sophomore at the University of Tennessee hailing from Ponce, Puerto Rico. The 20-year-old represented his country during the 1992 Olympic Games where he was first in the consolation final of the 100 metres freestyle, clocking 49.92 seconds.

Another to watch is Robert Brankinis, who starred during the Canadian Commonwealth Games trials, winning the 50 metres freestyle and placing second while also qualifying for the Games in the 100 metres.

Breaststroke specialist Vaughn Thompson is another from Canada who should provide a stiff test for locals.

Meanwhile, on the female side there is Lisa Flood, an Ontario native ranked seventh in the world in the 100 metres breaststroke and 11th in the 200 metres. And like Brankinis she will be representing her country in the August Games.

As in previous years, the Florida-based Brevard club are again well represented with a number of rising stars included in their squad. Eric Schlichenmier, Chris Plaisted, Katie Ryan and Kerwin Deese are all set to make a splash.

For Bermuda, the meet represents an opportunity for a last ditch attempt at qualifying the the Commonwealth Games. Particularly hopeful are the men's relay team.

Geri Mewett, Stanley Harris, Stephen Fahy and Trevor Ferguson are set to combine in the 4x100 metres freestyle event with their eyes on Victoria, British Columbia. An as yet unnamed foreign quartet will be provided to contest the Bermudians.

"In the Spring series meets there is no real competition for the top swimmers which is why we bring in swimmers for the National Championships,'' said BASA public relations officer Colleen Nelson. "The team of visitors will really challenge ours and hopefully push them to good times.

"The idea is to heighten competition and make for quality swimming.'' Locals having already qualified for the Commonwealth Games include sprint freestyler Mewett, Chris Flook in the 100 metres breaststroke, Jenny Smatt (100 breaststroke) and Harris (200 individual medley).

Meanwhile, despite this being an open event many youngsters will be out seeking to attain qualifying times in order to be included in the Bermuda team for this summer's Caribbean Age Group Championships.

So far 16 have qualified for the meet to be held in Jamaica next month.