Bahamas National Stadium - WRE Bahamas 24
The stage is being set for the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24, which will be held 4-5 May in Nassau, The Bahamas, at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. The country's local organising committee (LOC) officially launched on Wednesday 2 August with a press conference at the competition's venue.
"We've always wanted the relays back in The Bahamas," noted Drumeco Archer, LOC Chief Executive Officer. "When we had the opportunity once again, we were one of the bidders to host the 2024 edition, and I think there was an overwhelming consideration for The Bahamas to be chosen as the host nation. We can have an event that is unique to the world."
Echoing his sentiment was Olympic medallist Pauline Davis who also serves as Deputy Chairman and World Athletics Honorary Life Personal Member.
The innovative World Relays is the brainchild of Davis, who stated that, albeit a fierce bidding process to reclaim the World Relays, it was the world's athletes who helped push The Bahamas' bid to the forefront.
"The athletes of the world absolutely love The Bahamas,” said Davis. "We went up against global athletics powerhouses, but the athletes of the world were really the ones, I was made to understand, that pushed The Bahamas over the top. They specifically sent a note to World Athletics to say, 'We want to go to The Bahamas for the World Relays'."
Hon. Mario K. Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, expressed the government's excitement for the return of the World Relays to The Bahamas.
"It is a privilege as minister to see the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 back to the shores of The Bahamas," said Bowleg. "This Administration understands the exposure that sports can bring to this country, with its economic boost. The Road to Paris begins in The Bahamas!"
The relays are expected to attract more than 1600 elite athletes to the country as a key qualifying event for the 2024 Olympic Summer Games in Paris, France.
According to the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 Local Organising Committee, several activities, including a mascot competition, island baton relay and school-based marketing initiatives, will highlight the road to World Relays.
Dr. Daniel Johnson, Chairman of the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24, noted that an economic impact assessment would be completed and released to the Bahamian public and encouraged them to participate in promoting the relays.
"It should not be lost on us that this little country of 700 rocks and cays in the Atlantic, with just over 300,000 people, has been asked by World Athletics to host this important event," said Dr. Johnson. "That's a big deal. we are calling next year’s World Relays, “from Paradise to Paris!”.
Local partners of the event include The Bahamas' Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Bahamas Amateur Athletics Association, the North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletic Association and the National Sports Authority.
Spectators unable to experience the World Relays in person can view this spectacular two-day event via live broadcast and on the World Athletics and World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 official streaming platforms on YouTube and Facebook.
Fans locally and globally are encouraged to follow the World Relays Bahamas 24 social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram to stay current on the latest information about the event @WABahamas24
For important updates, such as the availability of tickets, or volunteering, individuals are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 website at www.worldrelaysbahamas24.org.
History of relays in The Bahamas
From its inception in 2014, the World Athletics Relays entranced the world as more than 500 athletes representing more than 40 nations comprised the best relay quartets in the world.
The two-day competition enabled the global village to see men and women compete in the 4x100m, 4x200m, 4x800m and 4x1500m.
It allowed viewers to enjoy their favourite professional and national athletes via live coverage and streaming on YouTube in approved territories and for the first time in Europe via its Eurovision Sports Live app.
With a total then prize purse of USD $1.4 million, the competition automatically allowed the top eight teams in the 4x100m and 4x400m to qualify for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing.
Since then, four other past competitions have been held in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2021. The Bahamas hosted the first three competitions in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
After a seven-year hiatus, the World Athletics Relays will again be home in The Bahamas in 2024.
Media Contact
World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24
LOC Communications Department
communications@worldrelaysbahamas24.org
