Tourism officials to host world Beach Sprint
Published:Monday | August 18, 2008 | 12:15 PM
Tourism officials are seeking to capitalise on the interest being directed towards the island following the performance of some of the country’s athletes in Beijing, China.
The tourism ministry has announced that the country will be hosting its first ever world beach sprint in another few months.
The Beach Sprint aims to highlight the welcoming spirit of Jamaica as a leading lifestyle travel destination and a country of sporting excellence.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said the World Beach Sprint is an invitation to unlock the mystery of Jamaican speed and to experience our country.
According to him the government wants people to see and experience Jamaica and learn about what is being dubbed as the Jamaican ‘Sprint Factory’.
The initiative, which is being described as one of the boldest moves for sports tourism, has received the support of 100-metre World record holder and Olympic champion, Usain Bolt.
Mr. Bartlett said the invitational event would have its inaugural staging next year.
The World Beach Sprint 2009 is expected to coincide with the first staging of the World Athletics Awards.