Some of Bermuda's elite and prospective top athletes were given a boost yesterday when the Total Fitness Centre in Hamilton offered their facilities and services free of charge for an extended period.

Among the athletes accepting the offer were middle distance runners Kavin Smith and Jay Donawa who have agreed to challenge each other in next month's 10K during International Race Weekend.

Bermuda Track and Field Association Director Gary Wilkinson, one of those instrumental in talks leading up to the agreement, was among a number of officials and athletes who attended yesterday's announcement at the Brunswick Street club.

He and national track coach Gerry Swan said the agreement was one that the BTFA and the athletes truly appreciated.

"To have Total Fitness offer our athletes the opportunity to have access to all of their facilities is a great help to their development,'' said Wilkinson, himself a former top road runner.

"What makes the offer even more impressive is that it's not limited to the use of weights but to consulations with respect to diet and nutrition, massage, whirlpool and sauna use and physiotherapy.

"The offer not only extends to potential Olympic hopefuls but also to our junior athletes who will be participating in the CARIFTA Games. It is hoped that this will be the beginninig of a long-term fruitful relationship between the BTFA and Total Fitness.'' The programme agreed on gives the athletes use of everything for an indefinite period, something which coach Swan pointed out was "unique and much appreciated.'' Athletes are expected to show that appreciation early by making full use of the programme within the next couple of weeks, said BTFA officials.

Wilkinson assured that the professionals at Total Fitness would give the athletes their full suppport and offer free assistance on a consistent basis while athletes were using the facilities.

"While at the club the athletes will be under the direction of both the national coach and professionally trained staff who will have the opportunity to assess the athletes during the early part of their visit and then be in a better position to diagnose what their respective needs will be for their particular discipline,'' he said.

Coach Swan added: "It's good that Total Fitness have come on board as a partner to assist in taking our athletes to the next level. It gives a much needed stimulus to one of the important aspects of athlete preparations.

"The offer by the club is something that I have been trying to establish for a number of years. The fact that it is a long-term offer makes it even more important for our athletes.'' The coach said that the seven athletes who had accepted the offer to date were Jay Donawa, Kavin Smith, Devon Bean, Jennifer Fisher, Donte Hunt, Terrence Armstrong and Atiba Tucker.