Track fans can rest easy for 2014 as the Twilight Meet has been given the green light by NACAC, putting it firmly onto the Regional Calender. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Local Favourite, Kim Collins, will once again be headlining the event, which promises even more professional athletes than the inaugural meet. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

June 7, 2014 may seem a long way off to many but co-organisers Steve Augustine, Willis Todman and Rosalind Leonard have already been planning for next year when, at the urging of NACAC President Victor Lopez, they were asked, or reminded, to get their application in.

Lopez in fact had been so impressed with the event and comments from the Professional Athletes who took part in the June 1, 2013 inaugural Meet that he made several calls to make sure the application was indeed going to be submitted as he was keen to make sure there would be a 2014 repeat.

“It's hurdle number one,” commented Augustine, who is the President of the Twilight Association. “It’s something we had last year and it makes a big difference in terms of being able to attract athletes.”

The application covers the basic logistics of being able to host, having a certified track, having insurance and also listing what events will take place.

“They don’t tell what events you have to have,” stated Leonard, “but they do tell you how many. There has to be 12 events, with at least 4 being Field.”

Todman has already been approaching several athletes and many more have emailed interest in taking part in 2014, including adopted local runner Kim Collins, who will once again act as a spokesman for the event.

“Of course he will be here,” said Leonard. “He’s already expressed a willingness to participate and has said for as long as we want him he will be here.”

More professional athletes will be taking part next year and the organizers have made room for that by dropping the Leeward’s Youth Championship from the schedule, but will still be including an Open Youth segment so that the Territory can witness the up and coming future stars as well as the bigger names from the pro circuit.

“The mere fact that we were approved now means we are on the calendar,“ said Augustine. “We are now on the Regional Calendar so every athlete within the Region knows about the meet here in the BVI, so it’s going to be something to see, you have to come and see this next year."

There still may be a few hurdles to clear before the line-up can be announced, but the organizers are confident that it will be even better than last year, with more athletes, more events and much more excitement.