Bermuda’s athletics team jetted off to Rhodes, Greece, last night as they prepared to make their first-ever appearance at the Island Games.

Bermuda’s Track and Field administrators had deemed it unfeasible to send a team to previous Games due to concerns over funding and what they perceived as a low standard of competition.

But this year the BTFA decided to change their stance and take part, much to the delight of coach and athlete Tony Bean who believes Bermuda’s presence will benefit the Games.

“I think Bermuda will improve the standard of competition at the Games and we’re looking forward to the new experience,” he said.

“It’s our first time competing so it will interesting to see how we get on — I definitely believe there’ll be an improvement of times with us being there.

“I know the Cayman Islands are sending a strong team and I’m sure this will be a positive experience for our athletes.”

Coach Bean said he would have liked to have taken an even stronger team but with some of the younger athletes already qualifying for the World Youth Championships in the Czech Republic, it was not possible.

However, he believed Bermuda would still claim a healthy yield of medals and expected good performances from Ricky Sousa and Terrance Armstrong in the men’s half-marathon.

“All the athletes are in pretty good form and we’re sending a decent team who’ve a very good chance of doing well,” said Bean who will compete in the men’s 4x400 metres relay.

“It probably could’ve been even stronger, but some athletes will be competing at the World Youth Championships and Junior Pan-Am Games instead.

“The likes of Daniel Tucker should go well in the 100 and 200 metres, as well as Shianne Smith and Melissa Clarke. We have prepared as well as we can for the climate and will have to make sure we all stay hydrated.

“Hopefully we can go out there and have some fun and bring back a few medals — I’m confident of that.”

Full squad: Victoria Fiddick, Melissa Clarke, Shianne Smith, Dawn Richardson, Jennifer Alen, Jarita Dill, Allan Bean, Daniel Tucker, Oren Smith, Keimar Clarke, Xavier James, Chloe Kempe, Albert (Jay) Donawa, Ricky Sousa, Terrance Armstrong, Jay Fiddick (trainer) and Anthony DeRosa (therapist).

*Bermuda volleyball player Gary LeBlanc has set his sights on a double medal celebration at the Island Games in Rhodes.

For not only does he represent the men’s team but also coaches the women’s — and is confident of medal success in both.

Both squads depart from Bermuda tonight and LeBlanc believes the men’s team is more than capable of improving on the silver medal they won in the Shetland Islands in 2005.

“We started preparing ourselves in January and have slowly intensified our training schedule as the the Games became nearer,” said LeBlanc.

“A gold medal is certainly the remit for the men’s team and the women’s team will be looking for a medal finish - there’s no doubt about that. The core of the men’s team is the same from the Shetlands with one or two additions and will once again be strong.

“But we will have some competition as the Faroe Islands are always tough opponents.”

LeBlanc admitted he would be a busy man at the Games due to his dual roles but insisted he had had no problem fulfilling his duties to both the men and women’s teams.

“It’s my second season coaching the women’s team and we are really trying to move the sport forward. There has been no difficulties for me playing for the men’s and coaching the women’s - if there was I wouldn’t be doing them both.”

Men’s team: Bruce Sinclair, Bill Bailey, Eric Haller, Gary LeBlanc, Alvin Bell, Geoffrey Blee, Adam Fowler, Mike Gazzard, Ihab Khalil, John Martin, Yves Charbonneau, Jon Gazzard, Andrew Soares, Tristum Cunningham (coach), Adam Wong (coach), Alex Hunter (trainer), Bill Bucci (coach/referee)

Women’s team: Juanita Blee, Shauna Burns, Kim Burns, Wendy Gazzard, Lisa LeBlanc, Lori Morbey, Denise Somerville, Cora Lee Starzomski, Katarina Carnicka, Joanie Harper, Allyson Nicol, Elisabeth Rae, Kelly Ross, Rebecca White, Stacey Dorush (coach), Raina Steer (trainer)

*Soaring temperatures could work to the advantage of Bermuda’s team of archers competing in the Island Games in Rhodes, according to skipper Jeane Butterfield.

She believes the hotly-tipped Scandinavian countries may struggle to cope with the scorching climate and hopes Bermuda may be the surprise tournament package.

The 40-year-old, who was the Island’s sole representative in the Shetlands in 2005, has been joined by 45-year-old Paul Harshaw.

“I’m pleased to have Paul as a team-mate in Rhodes,” said Butterfield.

“It was pretty tough being by myself in the Shetlands but at least the basketball and volleyball players came along to support me.

“Paul took part in the 2003 games but finished last and I think he sees this as a chance to set the record straight.”

Both competitors will be overcoming personal battles in Rhodes with Butterfield not long recovered from a skiing accident, while Harshaw was recently burnt in a mishap involving a cooker.

“I missed a lot of practice because of my accident and my form has not been good,” she said.

“Paul has been badly burnt and will have to be careful in the sun and can’t wear shorts — we both have obstacles to face.

“I don’t imagine we’ll be amongst the medals but you never know — anything can happen on the day,” added Butterfield who is a member of the National Archery Association of Bermuda.