Bermuda Olympic Association have admitted a delay in sending vital funds to the Island's Winter Olympian, Patrick Singleton.

But president John Hoskins said he believed part of the reason might have been down to the athlete himself.

Singleton, who will be competing in the Luge at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah, early next year told The Royal Gazette last week that he was down to his last few cents as he began his final preparations.

The situation was becoming so dire that he had taken to driving to recent World Cup events because he could not afford the air fare.

That meant a trek of more than 28 hours non-stop from Utah to Calgary two weeks ago and the prospect of another lengthy trip to Lake Placid, New York, shortly.

Singleton said those journeys were taking their toll both physically and mentally and though he had received funds from private benefactors he desperately needed a cash injection if he was to carry on.

The Gazette has been told Singleton has not had a cent from the BOA during the qualifying year 2000 to 2001, although receipts have been forwarded.

It is understood he has also not received any funds to cover the World Cup season between October and February next year.

Nor has he been able to secure Elite Athlete Funding although he apparently submitted a request to the BOA, a copy of which was sent to the then Minister of Youth and Sport, some 18 to 24 months ago.

A follow-up meeting with Singleton's parents and then Minister Dennis Lister and Director of Youth and Sport Brenton Roberts bore no fruit either.

Singleton also applied to the Olympic Solidarity Fund in April this year through the International Luge Federation (FIL).

According to sources, the FIL replied saying nothing had been received from the BOA who in turn assured Singleton the cash was being sent.

BOA president Hoskins said the organisation had spoken with the Singleton family recently and played down the story.

"We spoke to his mother three weeks ago and said he was going to get money very shortly," he said yesterday. "We had a meeting and we couldn't agree the amount. We couldn't agree so we had to recalculate, we had to try and fit it into Elite Funding guidelines."

Hoskins said Elite Athlete Funding was "Government money" and as far as Solidarity Funding was concerned it "does not kick in until this year".

However, the president did admit there had been an "unfortunate" delay in getting cash to the Island's only Winter Olympic participant. "We were slow. There were two or three reasons why we were slow. One, because we couldn't agree on the amount because it didn't fit into the normal category. Two, we don't meet all that frequently and (finally) the secretary was on holiday so it just got a bit more delayed," he said.

"It is unfortunate there was a delay. There is no question part of it was due to us but probably part of it was due to a late request.

"The funding was for his expenses for last year. I didn't think there was any real great crisis because it took him nine months to send his expenses in."

Hoksins said the cheque had gone to the Luge Association.

"We only deal with Associations, we don't deal with individuals. And once again it is an unusual situation because it's a one man federation," he said.

Asked whether in fact that should make things easier rather than harder he said: "It is if the man is in Bermuda."

The Singleton saga was also brought up in the House of Assembly last Friday.

Shadow Sports Minister Cole Simons said Government needed to be seen to be supporting its athletes.

"The Government should ensure it does all it can to ensure our international athletes have the support and resources that enable them to be the best they can be in achieving excellence in the international arena," he said. "A Bermudian has qualified for the Winter Olympics in three months and he had to compete last week after driving 28 hours and getting onto the track feeling nausea and dizzy because he was physically exhausted.

"What kind of support are we giving to young people and what message are we giving them? They can't possibly compete. Please, please give these young people support."

The UBP MP said it was "incongruous" that a delegation would be paid to travel to the Games from Bermuda but Singleton had not been given any funds at the time of speaking to train.

"We have sent a team of delegates, yet he says 'I am getting no money from Bermuda Government'," he said.

Sports Minister Randy Horton accused Simons of "not knowing the facts".

"The BOA has advised that the gentleman submitted an application for assistance and that's being considered and a cheque is being processed to forward to Mr. Singleton," he said, adding that athletes were warned delays may occur if information was not given in a timely manner.