Bahamian athlete Shaunae Miller arrived back in the Bahamas to participate in the upcoming relays. She's seen here at the international airport being welcomed by the official mascot, Breezy. (Photo: IAAF Relays Bahamas)

Nassau, Bahamas – Nearly 800 athletes from 40 International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) Member Federations will be making their way to The Bahamas in the next few days to take part in the exciting and innovative new event on the international calendar.

With just a few days to go before the inaugural IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, takes place at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium in Nassau, IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, Managing Director, and Lionel Haven said 40 countries have confirmed to participate in the IAAF World Relays.

“We couldn’t be more excited for this fantastic event and to welcome our guests from around the world,” he said. “I know that the entire LOC will do everything in its power to make this an unforgettable experience for both the athletes and fans.”

Countries confirmed to be participating in the upcoming event are:

 Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bahrain, Spain, France, Great Britain & N.I., Germany, Virgin Islands, Italy, British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Canada, Peoples Republic of China, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Switzerland, Slovak Republic, Turks & Caicos Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda, Ukraine, United States of America and Venezuela. The world’s best men and women athletes will be competing in the 4x100 meters (m), 4x200m, 4x400m, 4x800m and 4x1500m.

The top eight teams in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m will automatically qualify for the IAAF World Championships Beijing 2015.

In addition, the top eight teams in each event will be awarded prize money with the gold medalist taking home no less than USD $50,000.

The event will have extensive TV coverage and will be seen by millions of viewersaround the world in more than 100 countries. Over 100 journalists and up to 30,000 spectators are expected to attend the event.