The Annual Front Street Mile, the traditional curtain raiser to January?s International Race Weekend, has taken on new sponsorship.

KPMG yesterday signed an undisclosed three-year deal with the organising Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA).

Addressing the media at yesterday?s Press conference held at the new sponsors headquarters on Par-La-Ville Road, KPMG senior partner Greg Haycock said: ?The partners of KPMG are delighted to enter into an agreement with the BTFA to be premier sponsor of this prestigious international and local event.

?We view this new opportunity as a perfect complement to that sponsorship and we look forward to continuing our support of road racing in Bermuda.

?Serving the community in which we live and work is one of the cornerstones of KPMG?s values. We view it as a fundamental responsibility as business leaders to give back to our community.?

Flanked by a full representation of the BTFA, association president Judith Simmons added: ?The International Race Weekend is a very important part of our national sports calendar, not only for the runners but for the country as a whole.

?We are very pleased to have partnered with a local firm of KPMG?s calibre and global reach.?

Under the terms of the agreement, KPMG have the option to renew the deal annually to provide for a minimum sponsorship period of three consecutive years.

Simmons continued: ?International Race Weekend is much more than an athletic competition ? it?s all about community and family encouraging our youth to participate in healthy activities. It is about national pride.?

Trials for next year?s event, to be staged on Friday, January 13, will take place at the National Sports Centre on the weekend of December 4.

Entry forms for the race can be obtained from the Sportseller in the Washington Mall, International Sports Shop and the BTFA?s official website at www.bermudatracknfield.com.

The top 20 finishers in each category will be invited to participate in the six races, featuring local junior and senior athletes. The final race will showcase the elite male milers.

?This is an opportunity for every one of us to participate, either as a competitor, volunteer or spectator and for the country as a whole to benefit,? Simmons concluded.