Jamaica could host 2021 World Relays - Blake

There is a possibility that Jamaica could host the World Relays in 2021. That's the word from Dr Warren Blake, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), who reported that the island has been approached about the possibility of having the meet in Kingston.

Hosted in The Bahamas for its first three editions, the World Relays will be in Yokohama, Japan, next year, but according to Blake, it could be heading back to the Caribbean.

"The IAAF had written to us and given us really a first offer on 2021 because they have not decided on the full bidding process, but I suspect, based on the tone of the letter that I received and I replied to, that it has not yet been put to member federations," said Blake. "If Jamaica wants it, Jamaica will have first choice because the IAAF Council is going to be meeting in December and decide fully on if there's going to be a bidding process in 2021."

He added, "If they have not made that decision yet, and it's being put to us, I would say that we are going to be getting first choice."

DIDN'T BUY IN TO 2019

Jamaica was in the running to host the 2019 edition but, as Blake recalled: "We didn't buy in to the 2019, one, because of the cost, and two, because it was felt that we may not be able to get the stadium fully ready in time."

However, with work to upgrade the National Stadium set to begin in January, Blake has signalled Jamaica's interest in the 2021 World Relays in a reply to the letter from the world governing body.

"So I have replied to them to say that yes, the federation is interested," Blake affirmed.

One of the key requirements is a financial guarantee amounting to US$6-7 million ($885 million).

"That was the sort of budget that The Bahamas had expended," Blake said. "Now, it's up to the Government to signify that they are willing to financially back the event. Failing the Government backing it, if we can get enough private sector interest (it would be possible) and ideally it would have be some company that has international exposure and would benefit from international exposure to give a financial guarantee of the spend."

"I'm fairly certain the event will be ours because the IAAF wants to have those relays in the Caribbean because they see it as a more Calypso-type event - brings more excitement - and we have very strong relays in the Caribbean as well, so it will have a home crowd."

Another factor is the successful hosting by Jamaica of the 2002 World Junior Championships.

"That was a huge success, so they (IAAF) know we have the fan base as well in Jamaica," Blake shared.