NASSAU, The Bahamas — General Secretary of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), Essar Gabriel, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie at his Cable Beach Office, Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Mr. Gabriel and Paul Hardy, Competitions Director of the IAAF are on a two-day fact-finding mission in The Bahamas to ascertain whether the country has the facilities and capability to host the inaugural IAAF World Relays in 2014. According to Mike Sands, President, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), the country is bidding to host the inaugural event.
He explained that during their visit, the IAAF executives have met with stakeholders to discuss The Bahamas’ bid and also plan to inspect potential venues including hotels and the new stadium. Minister of National Security (and a former track and field star) the Hon. Bernard Nottage; the Hon. Daniel Johnson the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture; other members of the BAAA; other sporting groups and world-class athletes were also in attendance.
Prime Minister Christie told the executives that winning the inaugural World Relays would elevate The Bahamas to a new level in hosting international competitions. He also noted that the nation would be able to do it “effectively, efficiently and with significant return to the country.” The Prime Minister said, “The possibilities of this, lends itself to another jump forward, insofar as the children of The Bahamas can be inspired by an international event of this scope and kind to say one day, I am going to jump in that stadium or I am going to run in that stadium and I will be able to have that same kind of elevation to stardom and glory.”
The IAAF General Secretary explained that the world track and field’s governing body wants to add the World Relays to its World Athletic Series, which would be another historic moment for the IAAF. Mr Gabriel said The Bahamas has already received the attention and aid of the body, which is advising the Bahamian stakeholders on how to strengthen the bidding position of the country. “We look forward indeed to bringing to you here in The Bahamas and in the capital city, the best of the best, to come and compete in the World Relays, if such will be the case.”
He noted however, that the IAAF Council when it meets in London during the Olympic Games, will make the final decision on which country will host the first World Relays. Mr Gabriel said that there is still work to be done, but judging from the meetings with the sporting bodies, he sees that everyone is onboard and working methodically and diligently to make sure The Bahamas wins. Mr Gabriel added that he hopes that after this visit, The Bahamas would present an updated bid to the Council with modifications by the end of this month or up to the beginning of July to have an even greater chance of winning.
Caption General Secretary of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), Essar Gabriel and Competitions Director, Paul Hardy paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie at his Cable Beach Office, Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Posing for an official photograph from left: IAAF Council Member, Pauline Davis-Thompson; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Daniel Johnson; Mr. Gabriel; Prime Minister Christie; Minister of National Security the Hon. Bernard Nottage; Mr. Hardy and The Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations President, Mike Sands. (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)
