The National Trust is set to fire the starting pistol on a mini-Olympics comprising a host of popular sports and games.

The 1998 Palmetto Games will allow enthusiasts to have fun while supporting important aspects of the Island's heritage.

A host of enjoyable sports and activities are planned to celebrate the event which hopes to raise funds to assist the Trust's operating costs. The tournaments, which began January 11 and continue through July 12, are hoped to raise $30,000 through various entry fees set for each event. Kicking off the events this month, was a Boules competition which will run over four days, spread over four months. Held at the Bermuda College's Stonington Campus, the competition continues March 8, May 17 and July 12.

A backgammon tournament, held last weekend at the home of Michael and Zoe Butt, included supper and wine in the $50 cover charge.

An All-Forms Bridge Tournament began January 15 and will be held at private homes around the Island over various days until the finals on March 15. Entry fees varied according to playing time with $15 for lunch bridge, $10 for tea bridge and $25 for dinner bridge.

There will be several dart competitions for players at all levels with the champions determined on February 7 at the Bermuda Athletic Association Clubhouse.

Calcutta Putting will be played on February 28 at the Coral Beach Club with teams auctioned off to willing buyers at a cocktail party the day before. The fee for the putting contest is $50 per player and includes lunch.

Teams will be auctioned off on March 20 for the three-day Calcutta Tennis Tournament on, also to be held at the Coral Beach Club. The competition will run through the weekend at a fee of $100 or $150 depending on participation.

A Croquet Tournament for experienced players will be held throughout March at the Lantana Colony Club with the finals played on April 4. Potential players should contact Peter Lloyd on 295-1301 for further information.

On April 11 and 18, a two-day table tennis tournament is scheduled at the homes of Michael and Zoe Butt in Hamilton Parish and Michael and Ellie Naess in Warwick. A $30 entry fee includes a barbecue lunch.

Horizons is to host a One-Club Golf competition on April 26. Afternoon tea is included in the $50 fee.

A night of bowling at Warwick Lanes, including a buffet supper and one drink, is set for May 10 with a $40 entry fee.

On May 17, a Bermuda Heritage Treasure Hunt will be held with an entry fee of $25 per person. The hunt, which includes lunch, begins at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brian Callaghan on Knapton Hill in Smith's Parish and ends at the residence of The Royal Gazette Editor David L. White in St. George's. Clues will be set by Mr. White and local historian Colin Benbow.

A crown and anchor, black jack and poker night is set for May 30 at the home of Stephen and Jane West in Smith's Parish. The 60/40 Games Night requires that participants pay a $40 fee, and includes supper and wine.

A Crabgrass Croquet tournament for less experienced players begins June 21 and ends on June 28. The two-day competition will be held in Paget at the home of Tony and Dana Goodfellow in Paget. The $25 entry fee includes drinks and hors d'oeuvres.

Details are still sketchy for a Fly Fishing tournament planned for May at Somerset Long Bay. Potential players can contact the Trust for ongoing information.

The Trust has also organised ten preliminary rounds of Blind Wine Tasting Dinners to take place at various homes throughout the Island. The final taste-off will be held in May and the fee will be $100 per person.

Persons interested in any of the events can call the Bermuda National Trust headquarters at 236-6483 to sign up. Numbers are limited for those games held inside private homes, while other events will accommodate any number of participants.

OPENING CEREMONY -- The Bermuda National Trust's 1998 Palmetto Games officially began with the first-leg of the boules tournament played at the Bermuda College's Stonington Campus. Pictured, from left, are Lady Lully Gibbons and organiser Zoe Butt with three of the winners -- Riquette Bonne-Smith, George Fillol and Christina McCleod. Also shown are players Alejandro McCleod and Pierre Rouja.