30 Days to Go: Organizers Ready for IAAF World Relays

Thu, Apr 24th 2014, 02:38 PM

Two years after receiving the rights to host the inaugural International Association ofAthletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays, The Bahamas is in the final straight of a long and often bumpy run-up to stage the biggest sporting event in the country’s history.

As the country marks 30 days to go until the opening ceremony, venue repairs are on schedule to be completed on time, tickets are selling out quickly and volunteer recruitment went well.

“It's a big day for us, 30 days to go,” IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Managing Director, Lionel Haven said.

“This is the moment when we really do start getting ready for celebrating and welcoming the world.”

On May 24th & May 25th over 800 of the world’s best athletes are expected to contest the 10 relay events which will be staged in the 15,000-seater Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium with both men and women competing in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x1500m.

Last year December, the National Sports Authority (NSA) engaged the services of Mondo out of Italy to reconstruct the proper sized track at the new Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The original track was the level of class two (2) and to host the World Relays the track had to meet a class one (1) level.

General Manager at NSA and LOC Senior Director of Venue, Jeffery Beckles, said: “We anticipate all repairs being completed right in time for the Bahamas High School Relays 2014, which will be a test event for the World Relays on May 9th & 10th and a qualifier for the junior event happening on both days an hour before the IAAF World Relays.”

In addition to track preparation, Beckles said, workers are also ensuring that all of the other amenities and auxiliary being refurbished are completed and ready as well.

“We want to advise the general public that we will be closing several of our venues so that contractors can complete their work on time and so that the facilities can be at the level that we promise for this event,” he said. “We want the people of The Bahamas to know that we are making every effort to ensure we have the best possible look and feel when the world comes here.”

The primary venues that will be closed in the coming weeks for finishing touches are The Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium, Thomas A. Robinson Stadium (TARS) and the Betty Kelly-Kenning National Swim Complex.

Since the launch of ticket sales, Haven says, patrons have been taking full advantage of the online and the box office purchases.

“Up to today, we are at about 8,812 tickets that have been sold so far,” he said.

“General admission tickets which are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under and bronze tickets which are $20 are the only two options left for those wishing to attend.”

These tickets for both days are available for purchase online at Bahamasworldrelays.org and also the box office at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium; Monday to Friday’s 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Haven said that today the window for applications to be a volunteer at the event has closed, with a huge number putting themselves forward for the opportunity.

A total of 1,200 applied, with the vast majority of applicants being Bahamian.

“The community’s pride that the IAAF World Relays are being held in Nassau is profound, and there has been great willingness to get involved to ensure the success of the event. There’s no doubt, The Bahamas will be ready to welcome the many participants and visitors in the next 30 days,” Haven said.

The event will have extensive TV coverage and will be seen by millions of viewers around the world in more than 100 countries. Over 100 Journalist and up to 30,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the event.

For more information please contact-IAAF WORLD RELAYS BAHAMAS 2014 Communications Director- Earl Thompson at Earl.Thompson@bahamasworldrelays.org or Communications Coordinator- Bianca Sawyer at Bianca.Sawyer@bahamasworldrelays.org

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