IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 Local Organizing Committee launch a mascot competition- Senior Marketing Director Kathy Ingraham, LOC Managing Director, Lionel Haven and Communications Coordinator Bianca Bethel Sawyer discuss the mascot competition that invites kids from ages 9 - 18 to draw and name the official mascot for the upcoming World Relays.

Nassau, Bahamas–A design competition engaging students ages 9 to 18 to design and name an original mascot commenced today, for the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014.

The Mascot will be a significant personality in the run-up to and during the Relays as it will be used to welcome visitors and spectators, visit schools and community events and appear on signage.IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, Local Organizing Committee Chairman, Keith Parker, said this is an exciting opportunity for young people across the Bahamas to get involved with the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 and contribute a lasting legacy.

“There are less than 200 days to go to the Opening Ceremony of what will be an outstanding event and giving our young people the opportunity to impact on how the event is marketed across country and the world is the perfect way in which to mark such an important milestone.”

To enter the competition, students must submit a drawing, painting or collage and a suggestion for the name.The mascot must be culturally Bahamian. It can be an imaginary character, animal or person. It also must be easily recognizable and appealing to promote the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014. The design cannot resemble any known characters, mascots or cartoon characters. The mascot cannot be designed using graphics or computer generated The design will be judged based on creativity, usability, and relevancy. The prize for the ultimate winner will consist of an iPad, four VIP tickets to the IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014, plus $500 cash to be used towards school supplies or tuition and $500 will be awarded to the Art Department of the student school. This ultimate winner will receive extensive P.R. and media exposure and their winning design will be transformed into the IAAF Bahamas World Relays 2014 Mascot. The second runner up will receive IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 merchandise packs / goody bags plus $250 cash to be used towards school supplies or tuition and $250 will be awarded to the Art Department of the student school. The third runner up will receive IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 merchandise packs / goody bags plus $125 cash to be used towards school supplies or tuition and $125 will be awarded to the Art Department of the “The World Relays will show the world how vibrant and welcoming The Bahamas is and now more than ever it’s important that we involve people and communities from across The Bahamas in the excitement of the events. I would encourage all young people to get involved with this competition and play their part as we get ever closer to the opening ceremony in 2014,” Parker said.

The IAAF World Relays Bahamas 2014 will welcome more than 1,000 athletes and team officials from 40 nations during the event on May 24th& 25thBahamas as it is the first country to host the event.  2014.The. The first edition of the relays will be an historic occasion for the

The competition will end Friday, January 17th

Entries can be emailed in pdf or jpeg format to mascotdesign@bahamasworldrelays.org or dropped off at the LOCadministration office located at the Thomas A Stadium.

For full details of the competition, including how to enter, please visit: http://www.bahamasworldrelays.org , 2014. The winner will be announced January 27th, 2014.