Four runners competing in the NatWest International Island Games in Gibraltar have spoken of what they hope to achieve in the weeklong championships that start today.

The group have had their travel expenses to attend the games partially covered by a donation from the Mid Atlantic Athletic Club. They are among Bermuda’s 52-member team at the event.

Sean Trott, Brianna Mendes, Tilly Norman and Quincy Kuzyk will compete in middle and long-distance races.

Trott, who finished runner-up in the Bermuda Day Half Marathon in May, will compete in the 5,000, 10,000 and half-marathon.

He said: “Being provided with this assistance was a very pleasant surprise as, unbeknown to me, Victoria Fiddick had put my name forward for consideration. The majority of the athletes travelling to the games, including myself, have been required to pay for our own airfare and various additional costs.

“To hear that I would be getting back a portion of that and that MAAC had chosen to support me provided me with greater motivation to put my best foot forward in the games.

Trott’s first event is the 10,000 tomorrow. Speaking of his ambitions in the three distances he will compete, he said: “Having looked at prior games results and assessing my current level of fitness, I believe that if I run to my full potential within each event, I am capable of being a medal contender in all three.

“Following May 24, I have continued to train at a high level and I feel that my fitness has improved. I look forward to testing myself against some higher level competition.”

Middle-distance runner Mendes will compete in the 1,500 and 5,000. She said: “I am very grateful for MAAC’s continued support of my athletic pursuits. I hope to race well and run fast and am excited to have the opportunity to represent Bermuda again.”

Meanwhile, Kuzyk will compete in the 1,500. He said: “My main goal is to qualify for finals and to run a personal best.

“During this season, I was sidelined with an Achilles injury from August until February.

“I haven’t raced much this year, but I am confident that I will be able to perform well.

“I am extremely grateful to have the backing of MAAC; I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today without the MAAC Juniors and MAAC track training programmes.”

Norman, the fourth athlete helped by MAAC, represented Bermuda in the 1,500 and 3,000 at the Carifta Games last year.