The track and field meet that turned athletics in the country on its ear back in 2013 is making its way back to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. Plans are all set for the second edition of the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational (CBBI), which will be held April 11 at the stadium.
Last year, the CBBI was canceled because the stadium had to undergo major renovation ahead of the inaugural International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays in May. In 2013, the meet brought together a star-studded field of track and field athletes, quite possibly the greatest gathering of professional athletes ever assembled in The Bahamas. The CBBI featured the likes of Jamaican Veronica Campbell- Brown, Americans Justin Gatlin, David Oliver and LaShawn Merritt, Kirani James of Grenada and Jehu Gordon from Trinidad & Tobago. Three of them went on to win world titles at the 2013 Moscow World Championships.
As for this year, Brown said that the public could expect to see the best of the best in world athletics again at the one-day extravaganza.
"With the upcoming invitational, you can expect athletes to compete in their individual events, which will get them ready for the world relays in May and the world championships in August," said Brown. "It will feature high jump, long jump, the 100 and 200 meters (m) races, and names likes LaShawn Merritt, Justin Gatlin, Ramon Miller, Kirani James and 'Superman' Leevan Sands."
Prior to Brown's announcement, there were rumors circulating around the island that the meet would have to be canceled for another year, because of a possible lack of financial backing. However, the 36-year-old Olympian assured that all systems are positive for the early season invitational.
"The speculations came about because one or two individuals were trying to prevent the meet from becoming a reality, but God is in charge and he has the final say," Brown said. "With that being said, I'm here to put all rumors to rest and let the Bahamian public know that this is a Bahamian event, it is put on by a Bahamian and this is for Bahamians. At the meet, you will have a chance to see Bahamian athletes at their best on Bahamian soil. I just want everyone to come out and support the event."
Brown will also be getting his season started at the invitational. The veteran quarter-miler has set some big goals for himself this year.
"I'm going to take it one day at a time," he said. "I'm looking for a season's best at the meet and a personal best this year. Hopefully, I'll be getting on the podium at the world championships in Beijing."
As for tickets, there has been no official release date as yet, but Brown noted that when they are released, they will be available for purchase at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium and various Bamboo Shack locations. Ticket prices will range from $10 to 40.
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