Inspection of the two track and field stadiums in New Providence, and touring the island to find the best spots and accommodations for international guests, were high on the agenda for officials representing the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), yesterday.
The fact-finding mission and path which IAAF Secretary General Essar Gabriel and IAAF Competitions Director Paul Hardy are on is needed and could confirm that The Bahamas is indeed ready to host the inaugural IAAF World Relay Championships. A courtesy call was made on Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday.
Gabriel, who spoke on behalf of IAAF President Lamine Diack, said: "We are at a historic moment. Together, we are looking forward to crossing that line, not only the starting line which is the phase that we are in, but the finishing line. The historical moment being joined to the World Athletic Series, which are World Championships - the series of all our world championships from juniors to the jewels which is the World Championships - and to add the world relay events. I think the world of sports in general will look at this with awe. We can look forward to an event that is going to stay there and be a legacy for all of the athletes of the world.
"The Bahamas is certainly a privileged place to host such an event. You have the commitment on behalf of our president, on behalf of our council, and you have a member here who sits on the council Pauline Davis-Thompson. You have a commitment to have a privileged relationship in looking to come together and indeed manage to cross that first line which is saying 'we are in and we are doing it together'."
The relays are set to be held in the years 2014 and 2015. The event is expected to attract the 'best-of-the-best' to the country. The announcement, that The Bahamas is working on hosting the events, comes at a perfect time as the international governing body celebrates 100 years in athletics.
Gabriel said the new relationship forged bodes well for the integration and good governance of the project. All the parties involved are of the opinion that The Bahamas is an ideal location. There is no doubt that there is a lot of work still needed to be done, and judging from the earlier parts of the tour and meetings on Wednesday, Gabriel feels that it will be good to allow the team in The Bahamas to present the bid by the end of the month or early July so it can be tabled at the London Olympic Games.
Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that the hosting will elevate the athletes in The Bahamas. He has made a commitment to ensure that the project is a success.
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