Conrad Lister reached into his tracksuit pocket and chuckled "right here''.

"I'm not letting it out of my sight,'' said the lanky prison officer who, like partner Antoine Jones, has been wearing a permanent smile ever since Sunday's men's doubles surprise.

Far from being disappointed about failing to join his team-mate in the men's singles final, Lister pointed to his medal and said: "This'll do fine for one week.'' The bowlers wrapped up competition on Wednesday. They arrive back on the Island on today's BA flight out of London and the Bermuda Bowling Federation is inviting the public to join them at the airport to welcome them back.

TheBermuda Regiment Trumpeters will be on hand and a motor cade under police supervision will take them along a route including North Shore Road, Black Watch Pass, Cedar Avenue, Church Street, Burnaby Hill, Front Street, and Middle Road to Warwick Lanes.

*** IN ADDITION to striking silver, Lister and Jones will also reap a cash reward following their success at the Pyramid Bowl.

Bermuda Olympic Association president Austin Woods confirmed that under an incentive scheme adopted by the BOA a couple of years ago, the two bowlers would share $3,500.

But it's still slim pickings compared with the money other sportsmen are receiving at these Games.

Bowler Kenny Ang received 80,000 ringgitts (about $22,000) from the Malaysian Sports Council after winning gold in the men's singles.

*** ALTHOUGH still regarded by most as the Friendly Games, not all competitors want to mingle in the Village where this week some 6,000 athletes from 69 nations have been swapping stories, exchanging pins and generally upholding the spirit on which this festival has built its reputation.

Test cricketers Curtly Ambrose and the Waugh brothers, Steve and Mark, are among those regularly seen dining in the cafeteria and soaking up the unique village atmosphere.

But for sprinter Ato Bolden, it's just another meet and strictly business. The Trinidadian arrived from Johannesburg on Tuesday, complete with entourage of manager, coach and masseur and promptly checked into the Palace of the Golden Horses, one of Malaysia's priciest hotels.