Bermuda Track and Field Association failed in a last-ditch attempt to have long jumper Devon Bean included in the Island's Pan-Am Games squad.

Bean finished fifth in the long jump final at the recent CAC track and field championships in Grenada. However, his effort of 7.47 metres did not meet the qualifying standard for next month's Games in the Dominican Republic and the Bermuda Olympic Association's General Council turned down the appeal.

Vice-president of the BOA Michael Cherry revealed yesterday: "We had a last minute appeal from the Track and Field Association to consider his performance at the CAC Games, even though he hadn't reached the required standard.

"He was in the final and did quite well but hadn't reached the qualifying standard.

"So we gave the information to the General Council yesterday evening (Monday) and it was turned down."

The Council could have given Bean the go-ahead, regardless of his failure to qualify, but Cherry said that would have set a precedent.

"The General Council could have said 'yes'," he said. "But it would have been a rarity and it would have caused problems because other sports would also be looking for dispensation."

The matter could not be taken any further as the Council was "the end of the road", Cherry said.

Meanwhile, the rest of the squad for the August 1 to 18 event was ratified on Monday night. Katura Horton-Perinchief will represent the Island in diving and Ronald Cowen and Kiera Aitken in swimming.

Cowen qualified in 200m freestyle, while Aitken hit the mark in the 100m backstroke, 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle. However, the pair may also take part in other events.

In ten pin bowling the men will be represented by Steven Riley and Antoine Jones, while the women will see June Dill and Diane Ingham fly the flag.

In sailing, Zander Kirkland will go in the Laser and Malcolm Smith in the Sunfish.

Veteran triple jumper Brian Wellman will be present, along with 1,500m runner Ashley Couper, 800m runner Tamika Williams and sprinter Xavier James.

James was down as needing to qualify, however, unbeknown to the BOA he had already done so.

"He had qualified, in actual fact, but we didn't have all the information," Cherry said. "When he came back from CACs he came rushing in to see me and said 'You say I'm not qualified' . . . He then rushed out and came back within minutes with the information."