Sergey Bubka praises IAAF World Relays and urges expansion of competition format to attract youth

Sergey Bubka, IAAF Vice President and IOC Executive Board member, believes the success of the IAAF World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas, last weekend, underlined the importance of introducing new formats which broaden the appeal of athletics.

Bubka watched the second edition of the IAAF World Relays at Thomas Robinson Stadium and praised the efforts of the Local Organizing Committee and the athletes whose performances made the new format even more exciting.

Bubka said: "We can see now that new formats bring success to our sport and engage young people. The IAAF needs to continue to improve and promote its events all over the world and staging them in new territories.

"The second edition of the IAAF World Relays proved that the idea to introduce more dynamic competition formats was right on target. They are a fantastic opportunity to bring a huge number of star athletes together for a short period of time. It would certainly help to inspire new audiences around the world and put local athletes into the spotlight. I suspect the competition in the 4x800 metres and distance medley relays could probably be even more fascinating if Africa hosts the event."

"I was happy to see the shining eyes of kids in Nassau who met the event’s ‘Bingo’ mascot, part of the well-organized World Relays promotional activity. The excitement was fantastic at the stadium and in the city both among adults and young people, which means the event will leave great legacy for the future generation in the host country."

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