The Nassau Guardian
Govt to spend $6-$10 mil. to host world relays
The government will spend somewhere between $6 million and $10 million over the next two years to host the inaugural and second annual International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays, the biggest sporting event ever to be held in the country, Minister of Sports Dr. Daniel Johnson revealed yesterday.
However, Johnson said the country is expected to recoup all of its expenses in tourism dollars and promotions.
“You’re looking at spending $3 million to $5 million per event in terms of setting it up properly,” Dr. Johnson said during a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday morning. “The return on investment is normally about two to one.
"So we are expecting the economic impact to be at least double that for us as a country. The advertisement impact for two days to be on major networks around the world, carried by 52 countries is about a similar amount. We really have done the economic work behind the scenes, so it's a fairly good investment and the returns should be impressive."
The Bahamas was chosen to host the event in 2014 and 2015.
The world relays is set for May 2014 at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium and around the same time in 2015.
Events will include the 4x100 meters (m), the 4x200m, the 4x400m, the 4x800m and the 4x1,500m for both males and females.
Prime Minister Perry Christie, who was also at the press conference, said he is hopeful that the country will reap the benefits of hosting the relays.
"I'm hopeful that given the nature that there will be a return to the country in every which way, because we are very much committed to developing The Bahamas as a sports tourism world authority and destination," Christie said.
"The fact that we are able to host these world games is a tremendous honor for The Bahamas.
"This is another giant step towards bringing prominence to the country as a sporting destination. We will work assiduously with the local organizing committee to ensure near perfection in the organization of these games and getting that stadium to be filled to capacity when the time comes."
In order to pull off the event, Johnson noted that the facilities have to be world class.
It is expected that about 700 athletes will attend the relay. In addition, 300 officials will also attend.
Johnson said the event will result in the creation of 500 full-time and part-time jobs.
Former Coach Keith Parker is president of the local organizing committee (LOC). President of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) Mike Sands is the vice president.
Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage is the government and Cabinet advisor and board member.
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