Association has scrapped plans to bring in big-name overseas competitors for Friday's Heritage Invitational/National Championships at the National Stadium (5 p.m. start).

Instead other incentives have been added and a few lesser-known foreign runners are being sought to bridge the gap and add intrigue to the event.

The BTFA had originally intended to import quality competition for Bermuda's Olympics-bound trio of high jumper Clarance (Nicky) Saunders, triple jump specialist Brian Wellman and sprinter Troy Douglas.

But with all three scheduled to be in Europe later this week to begin final preparations for Barcelona these ideas were vetoed.

"Due to the absence of our top athletes we're not going to be spending money to bring in top-flight athletes,'' said meet organiser Mike Charles. "But as incentive for our athletes that are here, three airline tickets will be up for grabs in the ACE Insurance 1,500 (men), Bike World 5,000 (men) and the Fidelity 3,000 for women.'' Unnamed as yet, two female runners representing Bennett College are expected to provide a challenge for Dawnette Douglas in the 100 metres, while Nick-Cole Desilva can expect to be pushed to the limit in both the 200 and 400 by overseas men. Charles also confirmed that college student Jay Donawa -- here on summer break -- will take part in either the 1,500 or 5,000.

It is hoped that Friday's event will provide the opportunity for more local athletes -- Douglas and DeSilva in particular -- to attain qualifying standards for next month's Olympic Games.

But with the Bermuda Olympic Association already saddled with an overload of prospects and set to meet on Wednesday to select the team, it is unlikely they would be considered regardless of their performance.

Friday's schedule of events (all distances in metres): 5.00: Women's shot put, Men's triple jump 5.30: Men's shot put 5.40: Women's high jump 6.00: Women's javelin, Primary girls' 100 (invitational) 6.05: Primary boys' 100 (invitational) 6.10: Women's 1,500 6.20: Women's long jump, Women's 400 6.25: Men's 400 6.30: Primary girls 800 (invitational) 6.35: Primary boys 800 (invitational) 6.40: Men's 1,500 6.50: Men's javelin, Women's 100 6.55: Men's 100 7.00: Masters mile 7.15: Primary girls 200 (invitational) 7.20: Primary boys 200 (invitational) 7.30: Men's 5,000, Men's high jump 7.50: Women's 800 7.55: Men's 800 8.00: Men's long jump, Primary girls 400 (invitational) 8.05: Primary boys 400 (invitational) 8.10: Women's 200 8.15: Men's 200 8.20: Women's 3,000 8.45: Women's 4x100 relay 8.50: Men's 4x100 relay 8.55: Women's 4x400 relay 9.00: Men's 4x400 relay.