In an attempt to reunite the country through sports, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the inaugural International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) World Relay Championships has created a 'One Lane, One Island' concept.
The newest twist to the event, taken from the Bahamas Games format, will run hours before the inaugural world relays, set to be held May 24-25, 2014, at the new Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Unlike in years past when athletics was primarily highlighted and featured at the Bahamas Games, more of the country's culture and junior athletes will be on display. A number of legacy pieces will be left behind, the additional splendor designed to establish The Bahamas as the number one sporting destination in the world. The educational/cultural competition will be held for all schools in the country.
"When we speak about legacy, the first thing we think of is capital," said Eric Savard, IAAF consultant to the LOC. "This event is going to generate a very important capital to the stadium, that is bringing it up to international standards to host other major track and field events, but it is not only capital, it is other elements. Major events like this, brings the entire country together. We will have the sporting community that will be involved, and the educational program that we are going to launch. We are going to be involved in the opening ceremony, the cultural aspect of it. We are going to involve the islands by doing a competition, 'One Lane, One Island', a junior program just before the event. We are going to involve the schools by adding the schools program, a competition amongst the schools. What we are doing, really, is bringing the entire community together. That is what major international events do all around the world, and The Bahamas will not be any different than these other organizing committees."
Mike Sands, president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), also mentioned that the 'One Lane, One Island' initiative will feature up and coming junior athletes. Sands said this is the best time for local junior athletes to compete and gain much needed exposure. He added that the competition level will be extremely high, and he encouraged all Bahamians to come out and watch the event. Sands also encourages Bahamians to come out and cheer on the junior athletes, as they too try to compete at a high level and gain exposure.
"The junior program will consist of an all-star team from different islands including Eleuthera, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma to name a few. Family Island coaches and sports council members in those islands will be directed by letters where they will select all-star athletes, similar to what the Bahamas Games used to be like. In this instance, we are inspiring the next generation of athletes."
The IAAF World Relay Championships is expected to attract more than 1,100 athletes and coaches from around the world. The world relays will serve as a qualifying event for the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China.
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