TORONTO, Canada (CMC):

Canadian organisers are trying to get Jamaican sprint marvel Usain Bolt to appear at a major international track and field at the University of Toronto in June, the Toronto Star newspaper has reported.

The newspaper reports that negotiations with Bolt's agent are 'under way to have the Olympic superstar' run at the June 10 meet.

It is understood that Bolt, who thrilled Olympic fans in Beijing last August with three world record-breaking performances, would command an appearance fee of US$250,000 to run at the University of Toronto's Varsity Centre.

"A spokesperson for the Univer-sity of Toronto confirmed that discussions have taken place, but declined further comment," the Toronto Star reported.

Attracting athletes

The report went on to say that: "Meet organisers will try to attract such top Canadian athletes as Olympic bronze medallist hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, shot putter Dylan Armstrong and 800-metre runner Gary Reed, both fourth-place finishers in Beijing, and former world champion hurdler Perdita Felicien, who missed the Games due to injury."

The Toronto Star also said the University of Toronto underwent an overhaul in recent years and has a seating capacity of 5,000, which could likely be expanded with makeshift stands, a new track and throwing facilities that meet International Amateur Athletic Federation standards.

Bolt, 22, is set to open his 2009 season at home in Jamaica on February 14 at the Camperdown Classic meet.