Continuing to build excitement over the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational, organizers have created a number of social media platforms surrounding the event. The 2nd CBBI is set for Saturday April 16 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium

Interest over the second running of the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational (CBBI) is growing, and organizers expect to build off that even more through social media.

Events such as the 'Fantasy Relays' online are geared toward driving the popularity of the event, set for Saturday, April 16 at Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium. The event is just about two weeks away, and some of the biggest names in global track and field are expected here in The Bahamas.

New Media Director Day-Nae Bowe said that their goal is to build as much interest in the event as possible, and try to fill the stadium come April 16. The junior segment of the meet will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the elite athletes will take center stage starting at 6 p.m.

The 'Fantasy Relays' feature is a competition that organizers are running on the meet's Facebook page. Fans of track and field are encouraged to log on, and like the flag of their choice. On Saturday April 16, the winning flag will be displayed on the mega jumbotrons in the stadium during competition, and featured at the front of the stadium.

"We're asking for people from the various countries to like the banner or flag of their choice so that they could complete their leg of the 'Fantasy Relay'. The winner will have that particular flag projected onto the front of the stadium," said Bowe. "We are appealing to all Bahamians to log on and like The Bahamas flag, so that we could win the competition and have bragging rights in the stadium. At this point, we just need more interaction with that particular page, which we are working on.

"We really want to show support for the athletes who are participating. We feel that this is a great way to encourage them during an Olympic season, letting them know of their fans around the world. Also, for Bahamians, it's a way to show Team Bahamas that we do have their support in any form and fashion."

In addition to Facebook, the event itself will be featured on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and Periscope. Bowe said that their biggest social media campaign will actually launch on the day of the event when they will showcasing the CBBI through BTC's data network. The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is on board as a major sponsor of the one-day meet.

"The entire event will be showcased live, from the action on the track to medal presentations to the backstage area," said Bowe. "This is going to be very exciting. You are going to have the full experience of the stadium and the event from the touch of a finger on your phones or electronic devices. We're taking the CBBI to the world. For those with access, it's going to be as if you are actually seated in the stadium."

Bowe and her social media team consists of a mixture of junior bloggers and hired staff of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The multi-talented Bowe herself is just 21-years-old, and has been active in building social media platforms for just two years. She is a freelance social media and public relations officer, and has created her own company, 'Social Blend'.

She is indeed one of the persons behind the scenes of what is expected to be another successful showing of the Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational.

"Everyone is talking about this -- not just because of the 'Golden Knights' returning home to run, but aso because of the various stars who will be coming here," said Bowe. "Fans understand that this is on the road to Rio. In fact, the road to Rio starts here. People who can't travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics, we are bringing the Olympics to them. This is now right around the corner.

"The CBBI is affording the public an opportunity to see some of the top stars of track and field in the world right here in The Bahamas. This is the hottest party on the road to Rio. We have sun, sand and sea, and now we have sports."

The Rio de Janeiro Olympics is set for August 5-21. A number of regional and global stars, including Bahamians Shaunae Miller, Jeffery Gibson and Steven Gardiner, are set to open up their outdoor seasons.

"I am very excited," said Bowe. "Bahamian athletes will hold their own and make us proud. I'm sure of that. I'm just so pleased to work with such great individuals. Chris gave all of us an opportunity to showcase our talents and we're doing that. I'm grateful."

Bowe is one of 19 members on staff of the LOC. Also, there are 18 junior LOC members who will be running the junior segment of the CBBI.

The meet is returning after a three-year hiatus, and excitement is brewing.

Sheldon Longley

Guardian Sports Editor

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