The last chance saloon is open for local athletes trying to qualify for next month’s Carifta Games at this weekend’s final trials at the National Sports Centre (NSC).The trials are a mandatory track meet for all athletes, with those still trying to make the grade to compete looking to make the most of their last chance.With Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) president Donna Watson expecting a healthy local contingent for the Caribbean spectacle, there is much hope that more athletes will qualify this weekend.“We have several athletes who are very close to reaching the standard and we feel with the level of competition we are expecting this weekend they should be able to reach the standard,” said Watson. “The team will be selected Sunday after the track meet with the announcements either late Sunday or first thing Monday morning.“At this present time we are looking at 27 countries competing in Carifta with of course Jamaica and Bahamas leading the way with 70 athletes each and Trinidad next in line. We will have all of the final numbers by Sunday.“We are hoping to have a team of around 40 athletes representing Bermuda at this year’s Carifta Games with 30 of them who have already met the standard.”Numbers for each events are at a premium, and there are individual battles set to take place in many of the categories for the places available.Athletes already involved in battles for spots include six athletes vying for the Under-17 Girls 100 and 200m with the leaders at this point being Tyra Stovell and Taahirah Butterfield.Three girls, Kyrah Scraders, Quinnae Outerbridge and Zakiyyah Showers are fighting for the two spots in the Under-17 1500 metres.Jaret Simmons and Kidane Callender, having already met the standard for the Under-17 1500m, will need to perform well to keep their two positions with six other athletes going after the two positions.The Under-17 long jump, Under-20 long jump, and Under-20 100 and 200 metres boys will also be determined this weekend.“We have had some surprise performances from the Interschool sports so we are hoping to see some of these athletes out this weekend trying to get in the team,” said Watson.“The Under-20 boys long jump is going to be a very interesting event with five boys who have all met the standard trying for two positions.”With Bruce DeGrilla coming back strong from his serious bike accident and the silver medallist in the Under-17 Long Jump last year brings an interesting twist to this competition.“The Under-20 100 and 200m boys is going to be another interesting event with five boys vying for the two positions and we are waiting to see how Jerquan Symonds is going to make out this weekend as he was one of our finalist in the 100m last year and is now in university.“The leaders in the 100 and 200m at this point is Kyle Webb and Jeneko Place, but Jeneko is just coming off an injury which makes this even more interesting.”Electronic and audio testing for the Games will also be put through its paces with all operations being used at the NSC to iron out any wrinkles prior to the Games.“We will be setting up this track meet as our practice run for the Carifta Games with the large television screen, all officials in attendance, Call rooms, rounds in the events and following all of the rules for the Carifta Games,” said Watson.“This is a very important event as the team will be selected following this event and we have several events with more than two athletes contesting them.“This is shaping up to be one of the best Carifta Games with one of the largest numbers of countries competing. There will be so many overseas spectators, university coaches and media coming to these Games I hope Bermuda can handle it.“Tickets are selling with most of the Grand Stand sold out and only General Admission tickets remaining.“Everyone is really looking forward to the Opening Ceremony which for the first time is being held on the Friday night.“This will be a great Bermuda Cultural event that is going to show our guests a piece of Bermuda.”