The Tribune

IAAF press delegates praised progress made by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2015 following a three-day site visit to the city hosting the upcoming event.

The preparations for media services key functional areas, such as media accreditation, media hotel accommodations and media work stations for the upcoming IAAF World Relays was discussed during the site visit January 21-23.

Anna Legnani, deputy director of IAAF Communications, received presentations and reports from event organisers’ key personnel on plans to ensure that all aspects of media services exceeds the achievements of the inagaural IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014.

“I am pleased with the progress made to date, everything appears to be on schedule, and everyone is working to ensure that we can provide a quality experience for the media,” Legnani said.

Legnani also toured key media sites, including The Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Last year, the LOC transformed a portion of the stadium near the finish line into a press tribune, which allowed journalists to work in comfort with Wi-Fi connections on installed computer systems and televisions.

“It is extremely important to review all areas of media services and facilities in detail,” Legnani said. “We looked at what was done in 2014, to determine if we need to keep the same organisation or if we need to do something a little differently.”

The LOC is not initiating a new plan but, in conjunction with the IAAF, has refined all aspects of media operations, building on the success of the inaugural event.

“Last year’s event was definitely a huge success, but we do not have the surprising magic of The Bahamas this time,” Legnani said. “So, we need to make sure that we have people just as thrilled and amazed as they were last year. We need to make sure that everything is working perfectly so that we give them an even greater experience than the Bahamazing one of 2014.”

Tonique Williams, director of event and media services for the LOC, is responsible for ensuring that all of the resources, inclusive of technology, is available for effective media coverage of the event.

Williams, who functioned as the LOC deputy director of event media services during the inaugural event, said she is optimistic that she along with her team will once again provide a “memorable experience” for the large pool of journalists expected to cover the event. “The way to promote this event is to ensure that the people covering the event have a great experience,” Williams said.

Press coverage of the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2015 is expected to generate an impressive number of articles at the international level, with more than 100 media representatives expected to be in Nassau for the event May 2-3.

Media online registration is expected to open shortly.