The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamian sports tourism sector is set for a major boost from the International Amateur Athletic Federation’s (IAAF) inaugural World Relays in May, with local organising committee (LOC) executives telling Tribune Business more than 1,200 athletes and coaches were expected to attend.

Keith Parker, LOC chairman, who recently returned from Poland where he meet with IAAF officials, said preparations for the year’s largest sports tourism event were “all in hand”.

“As far as I know we are now up to 50 teams and about 1,200 athletes and coaches, but those numbers could be more. We expect a really good number of entries .The entries close at the end of March, so that is the deadline,” said Mr Parker.

The Government has estimated that it will spend somewhere between $6 million and $10 million to host the inaugural, and second annual, World Relays. They will be held on May 2014 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, and at around the same time in 2015.

The event is expected to generate significant exposure for this destination and considerable room nights for Nassau/Paradise Island hotel properties.

Speaking on the preparation for the event, Mr Parker said: “Obviously, the resurfacing of the track was a major item. As I left they were just beginning to put the first surface down.

“ We are on schedule. A lot of it, however, depends on the weather. We have been very fortunate thus far on that regard. There is a lot of work to be done but it’s all in hand. I went to Poland and met with the IAAF. They have had four or five site visits already. We have had very good reports so far, so they seem to be happy with our planning and execution to date. There is still work to be done, however.”