Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president Donna Watson was all smiles when it was announced the Island would be hosting the 2012 Carifta Games.

The annual spectacle will be held at the National Sports Centre after Bahamas, the only other representative putting up a fight to host the event, fell out of the race, giving the Island their first Games competition since 2004 – a competition that saw current world record holder Usain Bolt shoot to prominence.

The announcement was made by permanent secretary Ellen-Kate Horton, who attended the NACAC Congress in Florida and read the letter, with many in attendance comparing the presentation to that of an Olympic bid.

"It's a great feeling," said Watson. "The meeting went so well on Sunday and it was great having the permanent secretary Ellen-Kate Horton, with us for support and reading the letter to the NACAC Congress delegates.

"Our presentation was very well received with one of the comments being 'it looked like you were putting in a bid for the Olympics'.

"I have a great team that has been selected and they all assisted in putting together the presentation. "

Bermuda has been involved with Carifta since its inception in 1972 and has hosted the event in 1975, 1980 and 2004.

At the 2010 Games held in Cayman earlier this year, Bermuda came home with 11 medals – three silver and eight bronze.

The Island's last hosting of the competition in 2004 was deemed a glowing success under the guidance of former BTFA president Judith Simmons.

Watson added: "As the last Carifta that was held in Bermuda in 2004 was so successful we have a template to build on, we don't have to start from scratch.

"We have all of the documents from that event and will use them to assist us in getting ready for these games. We already have a lot of new ideas in the frame."

Watson believes hosting the Games during an Olympic year will also add some spice with many of the local athletes trying to emulate their idols.

"One of the reasons that I really wanted to have this Carifta in 2012 is because this is the year of the Olympics and there is always a lot of excitement for track and field during an Olympic year.

"Also Bermuda will have several athletes to showcase with the athletes that will still be eligible for Carifta 2012 and the younger athletes like Kyrah Scraders who will be eligible for Carifta 2012.

"I anticipate us having not only a big team but a strong and powerful team and they will make Bermuda proud. Of course since we have two years to prepare there will be a lot of development happening so not only is the event great but the athletes will be ready to perform in front of their home crowd.

"I also think this will be a good build up to the Island Games that will be taking place in 2012 as the template for the track event will already be in place and well tested. "

Minister of Environment and Sports, Glenn Blakeney, yesterday congratulated the BTFA on their achievement.

"I am thrilled to announce that Bermuda will once again host the Carifta Games," said Blakeney.

"The last time we hosted the games in 2004 it was hailed a tremendous success by organisers, participants, coaches and visitors.

"And who can forget seeing the young Usain Bolt light up our local track at the National Stadium when he was just 17-years-old setting a junior world record in the 200 metres in a time of 19.93 seconds which still stands today.

"Perhaps we will see the next track and field superstar grace our shores in 2012. The BTFA are to be commended for having the vision and the courage to host the event again, especially during these difficult economic times and more importantly during an Olympic year.

"This means that our promising young athletes will have an opportunity to showcase their talent on local soil whilst striving to qualify for the Olympic Games which will be held in England.

"As Minister I can assure the BTFA and all sports fans in Bermuda that the Government will do all it can to ensure that Carifta will be a success and the perfect launching pad for the Olympic Games."