Government Support Pulled from 2019 IAAF World Relays in The Bahamas

By Adam Kopet

The Jamaica Gleaner reports the Bahamian government has pulled support for the IAAF World Relays, requiring a new home for the 2019 event.

The issue largely came down to money. The Bahamas spent $21 million to host the 2017 event. The first year of the World Relays in 2014, the Bahamian government spent $15 million.

The goal of IAAF officials appears to be to keep the event in the Caribbean. Jamaica seems a likely host, as the country has put on several high level invitational meets in recent years.

However, the Jamaican government will need to step in and add support for the event, as the National Stadium will need some upgrades to meet IAAF requirements.

The World Relays have been a good addition to the international schedule. From a U.S. perspective, participation from top athletes has been high and it has given up-and-coming athletes a chance for exposure on the world stage.