ever track and field contingents.

Organised by Randy Benjamin, a former Bermuda Track and Field Association president, the trip will see close to 100 students from various schools tour Jamaica next month where they will compete against schoolchildren in the Kingston area.

A charter flight has been arranged to carry the group directly to Kingston from Bermuda on July 2 and they will return on July 11.

In announcing his plans, Benjamin, Deputy Principal of Northlands Secondary School, said the trip was designed to give the youngsters international exposure in track and field as well as serving as a cultural exchange event which would help in the students' overall development.

"It will certainly enable the youngsters to visit places of interest and observe the rich, diverse culture and topography of the huge island in addition to participating in athletics,'' said Benjamin.

While various places of interest in Kingston will be visited, the group will also travel to the renowned Blue Mountains and to the north coast over to Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

The meet itself will be staged at Jamaica's National Stadium in the heart of New Kingston and will feature competitors in three age groups: under-11, under-15, under-18.

The tour has been sanctioned by the BTFA of which Benjamin is a founding member. Also on the organising committee is Judy Simmons, current president of the BTFA.

Other members are Jon Beard, Bob Lennox, Gary Wilkinson, Mike Charles, Carolyn Arnold and national coach Gerry Swan.

Competition is expected to be stiff and will see the local students participating against three or more Jamaican high schools in the Kingston area where track and field is hugely popular.

Approximate cost per student is $1,000 and fundraising for the venture will include a walkathon, a radiothon, a fashion show, luncheons and other events.

Students and parents requiring further information should contact Benjamin at 295-5018.