The Local Organizing Committee for the upcoming IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 will select 800 volunteers from the 1,200 applicants for the historic event.

Nassau, Bahamas - The window for applications to be a volunteer at the International Association of Athletic Federation (IAAF) World Relays Bahamas 2014 has closed, with a huge number putting themselves forward for the opportunity.

A total of 1,200 persons applied, with the vast majority of applicants being Bahamian. IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, LOC Managing Director, Lionel Haven, said “The community’s pride that the IAAF World Relays are being held in Nassau is profound, and there has been great willingness to get involved to ensure the success of the event.”

800 volunteers are needed to host this inaugural event. These volunteers will be on hand as the more than 800 competitors from some 40 different countries wow the expected 30,000 spectators during the two day event to be held at the Thomas. A Robinson National Stadium.

“We were confident the Volunteer Programme will be a success because Bahamian people are well known for their willingness to help others and their passion for relays,” Haven said. "We are delighted with the numbers and we believe we have achieved our main objective.”

The process of assigning volunteers has begun and will continue until Sunday, April 27Volunteers will be assigned jobs during the event, based on their indicated interests and availability. Most volunteers have already participated in the initial orientation with the remaining volunteer’s going through orientation in the coming days.

Special area training for volunteers will begin on Monday April 28th.

“They will then be invited in groups to pick up their accreditation cards, work schedules and welcome kits at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium on May 6th and May 7th," he said.

All volunteers will participate in the Bahamas High School Relays 2014 on May 9th10th, which will be a test event for the World Relays and a qualifier for the junior event happening on both days an hour before the IAAF World Relays.

 The volunteer recruitment opened on January 30th with applicants needing to be 14 or older to apply and available for at least four hours during the event.  

“We want to thank everyone who put their hand up to take part in the event,” Haven said. “The high number of applications shows the entire country wants to contribute and take part in this historic moment for The Bahamas.” 

Volunteers were needed in special events and guest services divisions such as accommodations, logistics inclusive of airport pick-ups and drop offs, transportation and accreditation. Other areas where volunteers were needed was for the start of competition, assisting with medical and anti-doping, corporate services, sponsorship and promotion, communications, event media services, security, stadium venue and technology.  

The World Relays are scheduled for May 24th & 25th 2014.