The Heritage Invitational Track and Field meet will go on tonight, but without one of its key organisational members.

Mike Charles resigned as the meet director following a conflict with the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA), apparently over the latter's failure to supply funds to import major international athletes.

Plans to bring in such renowned stars as sprinter Andre Cason and Olympic triple jump champion Mike Conley as well as Bermuda's own jumping sensation Brian Wellman, among others, were dashed when the $13,000 price tag associated with their coming was deemed to be too steep.

Two others not so ecstatic about what had transpired were Steve Burgess and young sprinter Keivon Richardson.

Burgess said that he had now lost credibility with many of the overseas athletes after having to tell them at short notice that they were no longer required, while Richardson was unhappy at having to fork out over $600 for a plane ticket he claimed should have been supplied by the ruling body.

"I have a bad name on the US circuit right now and will have to work hard to clear that up,'' said Burgess last night. "The Americans all stated that it would be very difficult to put their trust in Bermuda in the future.

"Many of them had made the commitment and now have to fight to get into other meets. I've had to play the role of counsellor and say I'm sorry, but they don't want to hear that.'' Burgess made a point of mentioning how the elite foreign athletes could have helped to rekindle flagging interest in the sport, noting that several were willing to take part in a Saturday clinic as well.

"Who knows what youngster could have been touched by a world class athlete and been encouraged to go on to bigger and better things.'' Richardson, a senior at Winder Barrow High School in Georgia, borrowed money from his guardian in order to fly home specially for the event and felt that he should be reimbursed.

"It should be an obligation to bring in at least the Bermudian athletes overseas,'' said Richardson, who will likely run in both the 100 and 200 metres. "Stan Douglas said in the newspaper that the event should be for young stars of the future and most of them are overseas.'' Despite the backlash, track and field officials were yesterday hopeful that the showcasing of the elite prospects in local athletics will encourage a good turn-out from the public.

While adults such as Jennifer Fisher will be in action, the spotlight will also be on the youngsters who participated in the recently concluded CARIFTA Games along with others who excelled during the recent Primary and Secondary School championships at the stadium.

Douglas, the vice-president of the BTFA, yesterday was ecstatic about putting the youth of Bermuda on display.

"Highlighting our young people is a good thing, because it's important they be given every bit of encouragement to continue their development in the sport. We have some good, young talent here and we hope the public will come out and give their support,'' said Douglas.

An event that should pique interest is the men's high jump, with Stephen Woodley, who has already qualified for the Commonwealth Games, expected to be challenged by young Rohaan Simons who beat the former during the recent Secondary School championships.

Also scheduled are a number of races for the Primary School students, featuring girls and boys in the over-10 and under-10 age divisions. The events are the 400, 200 and 100 metres.

Action begins at 6 p.m. at National Stadium.

The public is advised that the gate on Frog Lane will be opened and that seating will be available in the bleachers on the eastern end of the stadium.

STAN DOUGLAS -- Highlighting young people.