Jamaica kicks off sports tourism initiative
Jamaica has officially unveiled Jamaica Sport – a new initiative to develop the island as a major sports tourism destination.
Leveraging its success in world sport, notably the sprint prowess of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica aims to boost tourist arrivals with a regular calendar of major sporting events.
"As a country, we are well-known for our rich sporting legacy, whether for our remarkable successes or our indomitable spirit, especially in the sporting arena" said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.
"The dominance of our athletes, including sprinters, cricketers, netballers, swimmers and footballers has been tremendous, but it is this achievement in combination with the ‘can-do’ attitude of our bobsledders that defines a sporting culture found only in Jamaica."
Jamaica Tourist Board announced a series of events through 2015, including a number of road races such as the internationally known Reggae Marathon in December, Kingston City Run and Jake’s off-road Triathlon.
Mountain biking, tennis, and track and field events are also planned this year.
The inaugural event in the Jamaican sporting calendar is the Pineapple Cup from February 6.
This ocean racing classic dating back to 1961 sets sail from Fort Lauderdale for the 800 nautical miles to Montego Bay.
During the race there is a full timetable of cocktail parties, steel band shows, limbo dancing, before ending with prize-giving ceremony on February 15.
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