A special ceremony has helped celebrate the official launch of the new Thomas A Robinson National Stadium at the new-look Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The 15,000-seat stadium has been built over a two-year period at a cost of around US$30m (£18.8m, EUR22.5m) and is a gift to the country from the Chinese government.

It is hoped the development will become the Caribbean region's foremost sports venue, while also helping to establish The Bahamas as an international sports tourism destination.

Facilities include an eight-lane athletics track with Mondo surface; jumping pits at either end of the track; an international-standard football (soccer) field; and areas for field athletics events.

Other elements of the new-look Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre are to comprise an athletes' village; new baseball and softball fields; a dive complex; and an indoor multiplex.

Prime Minister Hubert A Ingraham said: "This new stadium and the facilities to come, represent a new day for sports and athletics in The Bahamas.

"Generations of young Bahamians and aspiring athletes can dream even bigger dreams because of today. In addition to world-class facilities the government will continue to enhance athletic scholarships and other sports programmes."

Details: www.bahamas.gov.bs