Sports

The active will be at home among Jamaicans who are passionate about sports. Football fever has taken the Reggae Boyz to the World Cup finals.  Jamaican netballers known as the “Sunshine Girls”, our boxers and even bobsledders are intrepid in international competition.  Few countries of any size can match Jamaican athletes’ record-breaking exploits. Most recently in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China and the IAAF championships in athletics in Berlin, Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly-Anne Fraser, Melanie Walker and their team mates have been the darlings of the world.  At a somewhat slower pace, community cricket teams still bowl off on a Sunday afternoon.

 

The island’s twelve golf courses, many with spectacular views, provide a treat for golf enthusiasts. Championship courses dot the North Coast. There are two excellent courses in the capital city Kingston as well as a popular driving range in city centre.  The charming 9-hole course high in the hills of central Jamaica is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Fishing attractions and yacht clubs cater to the sea faring. Others may prefer to ride, hike or bike their troubles away in beautiful Jamaica.  

 

Sporting events incorporate a party atmosphere and mega events attract huge numbers of local and international visitors, be it domino championships, cart racing, or the annual Reggae marathon.  Currently preparations are been made for the hosting of the Jamaica Kite Board World Cup to be held in March of 2010 attracting close to one hundred pros from over 25 countries.

 

The development of state-of-the-art facilities as well as the country’s track record in successfully hosting major international events such as the IAAF World Youth Games in 2002 and the World Netball Championships in 2003 and cricket world cup matches in 2007 are among positive developments that have positioned Jamaica to take its place in the competitive sports tourism market segment.