Bermuda's future track stars leave the Island next Tuesday to take on the Caribbean's best at the CARIFTA Games in St. Kitts which runs from March 21 to March 24.

With Bermuda's contingent the largest the country has ever sent, assistant coach Donna Watson is optimistic about her team's chances of performing well.

"This is the biggest team we have sent, with all of the athletes reaching the standards", Watson told The Royal Gazette.

"Of the 23 athletes going, 16 were at the Games last year, so it isn't a matter of nerves, just getting reacquainted with the environment."

The athletes ran at the last track meet on the Island before the Games over the weekend with several of them running personal best times.

"There were several personal bests run from CARIFTA athletes at this the final track meet before the Games", Watson said. "Aaron Evans, Matthew Spring and Ashley Berry are just a few of the athletes who bettered their times over the course of the meet."

And with the athletes focused and mentally prepared, the Games looks to be a successful one, Watson reckoned.

"Our expectations are to pick up medals and make a few finals", she added. "The quality we are taking down there should enable us to compete with the countries that will be represented.

"Of course, the most dominant team in recent years has been Jamaica but besides them we will be in the running for medals."

Team harmony, albeit in an individual sport, is key to how the team will perform, Watson stated.

"We have a good basis for our team", Watson said. "All our runners are from each track club in Bermuda and they are all supporting each other, so the harmony is there.

"The team is raring to go so we hope for the best and will take it one event at a time."

Travelling with the team will be manager Michele Williams, coach Gerry Swan, assistant coach Devon Bean, assistant coach Watson and massage therapist Susan Verity.

Full team:

Under-17 females: Ashley Berry (1500m, 3000m); Taylor-Ashley Bean (800m, 400m); Megan Berry (1500m); Kyla Bolden (800m); Shuntae Hendrickson (400m); Allison Outerbridge (Triple jump, Long jump); Shawnae Brangman (100m, Long jump); Nandi Wood (Shot putt, Javelin); 4x400m relay: Kyla Bolden, Shuntae Hendrickson, Ashley-Taylor Bean, Ashley Berry, Megan Berry; 4x100m relay: Allison Outerbridge, Shawnae Brangman, Taylor-Ashley Bean, Shuntae Hendrickson, Nandi Woods

Under-17 males: Ryan Furbert (800m, High jump); Kyle Virgil (100m, 200m); Darrion Simons (100m, 200m); Emmanuel Joynes (3000m).

Under-20 females: Alexis Bean (800m, 1500m, 3000m); Jasmine Brunson- (Long jump, Triple jump); Eulannae Douglas (100m, 200m); Deanne Lightbourn (800m, 400m).

Under-20 males: Tre Houston (100m, 200m); Aaron Evans (800m); Matthew Spring (800m, 1500m); Sean Trott (5000m); Kijuan Wilkinson (Triple jump); Zaccheus Rawlins (100m, 200m).