Take your marks, set, go ? Bermuda's first Carifta Games in almost 25 years are finally here!

Hundreds upon hundreds of junior athletes from across the region will descend on the National Sports Centre for three days of intense and possibly record-breaking competition starting tomorrow morning in the 33rd Easter weekend classic.

At last count, 23 of the 26 Carifta-member countries were expected to participate in the meet being hosted here for the first time since 1980.

Bermudians will of course be hoping it's truly a Good Friday for the Island and that the 22 athletes chosen to defend their honour against top-class regional opposition give a sterling account of themselves.

The bulk of teams were scheduled to arrive yesterday, from late afternoon well into the night, and Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president Judy Simmons and others were busily going to and from the airport to greet various contingents and officials.

A last-minute cancellation by president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Lamine Diack ? struck down by flu ? is the only damper on what Simmons expects to a highly successful event.

However, Diack forwarded a message to the Games, expressing optimism that Bermuda will host a great meet with competitors showcasing "a wealth of athletics talent".

"The Caribbean nations have played a central role in the development of our sport and their athletes' success in the larger and wider World and Olympic sphere has been developed from and entrenched by the success of regional competitions such as the Carifta Games," noted the IAAF chief.

Among those slated to attend the Games are IAAF Vice-President and President of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Athletic Association Dr. Amadeo Francis, NACAC Area Representative Neville (Teddy) McCook of Jamaica, President of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Athletic Confederation Victor Lopez and a host of government and other dignitaries from several countries.

"Bermuda will be on stage with all of the movers and shakers in international track and field, that's for sure and many people have been working diligently to ensure the event goes off extremely well," noted Simmons.

Confirming everything is just about in place to start the Games, the BTFA president sent out a final word encouraging the community to support the athletics showpiece.

"I would like to invite everyone to come and enjoy the Carifta Games," she said.

"It should be good. The weather looks like it's brightening up and warming up a bit.

"We are really pleased with the fact that advanced ticket sales are going well, particularly at our outlet at City Hall where I am told the majority of gold tickets for Friday and Sunday have been sold.

"I urge the public to try and get their advance tickets as soon as possible, come out and witness what should truly be a great experience."

Clearly alluding to last Sunday's weapons-wielding terror by youngsters at the Friendship Trophy soccer final at Wellington Oval, Simmons guaranteed the public there will be tight security at the Frog Lane complex: "They can feel assured that with the security we have organised with the Police, the Bermuda Regiment and Guardwell Security, they will be safe."

Meanwhile, some of Bermuda's best medal prospects could give home fans something to cheer about on the opening day.

Seasoned Carifta athletes Brittaney Marshall and Zindzi Swan will be among those competing tomorrow in the Under-20 Girls discus (10.30 a.m.) and long jump (6 p.m.) respectively ? both events being straight finals.

However, the first locals into battle will be Kijaun Wilkinson in the Under-17 Boys high jump ? also a straight final at 9.30 a.m. ? while Brittany Pitt, Shelby Hollis and Deanne Lightbourn compete in the Under-17 Girls 400-metre semi-finals simultaneously on the track.

The 100 metre heats in all divisions will see Miquel Lambert, Tristan Francis (Under-17 Boys) and LoVintz Tota (Under-20 Boys) in the medal hunt.

Bermudians will also finally get a glimpse of USA-based Arantxa King ? touted as one of the Island's best sprinting hopes ? as well as Eulannae Douglas and Kalita Furbert in the Under-17 Girls 100-metre heats at 11.35 a.m.

All 100-metre runners will be aiming to make tomorrow's finals which take place from 7.25 p.m. onwards. Also in action tomorrow are Cody Lima in the Under-17 Boys 1500 metres and Deon Brangman in the Under-20 Boys high jump final at 5.30 p.m.

The afternoon session begins with the Opening Ceremony at 3.30 p.m.