President of the IAAF Lamine Diack held a press conference Friday, May 23, 2014 at the Melia Nassau Beach Resort, on the eve of the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014. Pictured from left: LOC, Managing Director, Lionel Haven; LOC Vice Chairman and President of, Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA), Mike Sands; IAAF President Lamine Diack; LOC Chairman,Keith Parker; IAAF Secretary General Essar Gabriel; Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture., Dr. Daniel Johnson and IAAF Council Member and “Golden Girl” Pauline Davis-Thompson.

Nassau, Bahamas – The excitement is starting to mount with less than 24 hours to go until the first gun goes off at the inaugural International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2014.

Construction crews are still making final touches to the National Thomas A. Robinson Stadium, athletes are preparing to compete in front of a sold- out crowd and anticipation for the largest sporting event ever to be held in The Bahamas continues to climb.

All eyes are now on Nassau and on the eve of the event IAAF President Lamine Diack, during a press conference thanked the Bahamian Government and the volunteers who he said made the event possible.

“We are delighted that The Bahamas have stepped forward to be the inaugural hosts,” Diack said. “Thanks to the Bahamian government, thanks to Nassau and thanks to all the volunteers for without them this event could not take place.” In the past 50 years, Diack said, athletics has seen the transition from amateurism to professionalism, the decline of international dual meetings and corresponding rise of invitational, and the creation of the IAAF World Championships. Now the IAAF World Relays are ready to take a turn at centre stage.

“You’re always asking when we will introduce new events,” Diack said to the assembled media. “We looked for new event hosts and The Bahamas was ready. We were considering 2015, but the Local Organizing Committee said they were ready for 2014.”

LOC Chairman Keith Parker said, “I’ve been involved in athletics in The Bahamas for over 50 years, but never anything at this level. You will find a fantastic reception, and the stadium will be full on May 24th and May 25th.”

LOC Vice Deputy Chairman and President of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) President Mike Sands expressed his appreciation to the Bahamian sports ministry for their support.

“We often say sports and politics don’t mix, but don’t underestimate the value of government support for this event.”

IAAF General Secretary Essar Gabriel, who made several inspection visits in preparation for the event, was similarly positive about the event organization.

 “The level of organization has stepped up from CARIFTA to world class. It has been a spectacular transformation,” Gabriel said.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Dr. Daniel Johnson said, “The $1.4 million in prize money is a gift from The Bahamas.”

The IAAF will be offering approximately $1.4 million in prize money with the following breakdown: 1st - $50,000, 2nd - $30,000, 3rd - $20,000, 4th - $12,000, 5th - $10,000, 6th - $8,000, 7th - $6,000 and 8th - $4,000 as well as a bonus $50,000 for any world record, to be shared equally between the members of each team.

Teams will also get an opportunity to qualify for both the 4 x 100 meters (m) and 4 x 400m for the IAAF World Championships next year in Beijing, China, and during the second World Relays in 2015, teams will get to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The IAAF World Relays has attracted teams from more than 40 nations comprising of more than 800 athletes who form the best relay quartets on the planet.

The athletes are expected to contest the 10 relay events; 4 x 100, 4 x 200, 4 x 400, 4 x 800 and 4 x 1,500 meter relays.