The window for applications to be a volunteer for the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2014 has closed, with a huge number of applicants putting themselves forward for the opportunity. A total of 1,200 people applied, with the vast majority being Bahamian.
IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Managing Director Lionel Haven said: "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."
A total of 800 volunteers are needed to host the inaugural event. The volunteers will be on hand as more than 800 competitors representing approximately 40 countries wow the expected 30,000 spectators during the two-day event to be held at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.
"We were confident the volunteer program would be a success because Bahamian people are well known for their willingness to help others and have a passion for relays," Haven said. "We are delighted with the numbers and we believe we have achieved our main objective."
The process of assigning volunteers has begun. During the event, volunteers will be assigned jobs based on their indicated interests and availability. Most volunteers have already participated in the initial orientation, with the remaining volunteers going through orientation in the coming days. Special area training for volunteers began yesterday.
"They will be invited in groups to pick up their accreditation cards, work schedules and welcome kits at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on May 6 and 7," said Haven.
All volunteers will participate in the Bahamas High School Relays 2014, on May 9 and 10, which will be a test event for the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014. The Bahamas High School Relays will also be a qualifier for the junior segment of the world relays, an hour before the world relays get underway. The volunteer recruitment opened on January 30 with applicants needing to be 14 years or older to apply; volunteers must be available for at least four hours during the event.
"We want to thank everyone who put their hand up to take part in the event," Haven said. "The high number of applications shows that the entire country wants to contribute and take part in this historic moment for The Bahamas."
Volunteers were needed in special events and guest services divisions such as accommodations, logistics inclusive of airport pick-ups and drop offs, transportation and accreditation. Other areas where volunteers were needed were, for the start of competition, assisting with medical and anti-doping procedures, corporate services, sponsorship and promotion, communications, event media services, security, stadium venue and technology.
The IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 is scheduled for May 24 and 25.

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