Diary of a Sport Tourist

Dear diary,

Even in this time of recession this is a very exciting time for me and there are a few sporting events I want to attend this year. For the track and field fans we are all focused on the World track and field cham- pionships scheduled for Berlin, Germany, from August 15 to 23.

But before that there are a few track meets to go to, to see what the athletes are looking like.

Here are some tips for planning a trip:

Plan to travel with a group

Call your travel agent early so you can look at options for reasonable tickets

Book tickets for the event online

Call your friends in the city you are going to; you may be able to stay with them

Car pool if you must

If you are staying at a hotel, stay close to the venue

Look for the bus schedules (lots of hotels have free shuttles).

June 11, 2009

Usain Bolt is scheduled to be in Canada at the University of Toronto for the Festival of Excellence. He is up against US Olympian Shawn Crawford.

June 13 to 14

Jamaica's national junior track and field championships.

June 18 to 21

United States Golf Open, Long Island.

June 22, 2009

Wimbledon Tennis serves off in the UK

June 26 to 28

Jamaica's National Track and Field Championship in Kingston (the hottest and fastest athletes on the planet compete for a place in Berlin.

June 26 and 28

One Day International Cricket (India vs West Indies)

July 18

First Test in the Ashes series, England vs Australia (cricket)

Here are some other tips:

Pack lightly so you do not get charged for extra luggage

If you don't have to, do not check on. Harder for you to lose your bag

Get smaller travel size accessories (lotion, toothpaste, soap); some of these may even be available at the hotel

Find a hotel where continental breakfast is served (you do not have to buy regular breakfast)

Take a small camera so you can record the memories

Go to an internet kiosk close by to check your emails

Find easy ways to text your family back home.

Happy and safe travel!

The Trelawny debate continues

Here is feedback I received.

Adel wrote:

I read your article and found it disturbing that everyone seems to want the stadium to be used for sports. I think it would be a great idea to have the facility used as the western campus for UTech. Education is the key to social development. The sporting facility will still be there to host local and international events. As Jamaicans, we need to think about our long-term goals instead of these quick- fix methods.

Let's think how economically viable UTech would be in serving the schools in the immediate surroundings. The Government and others are only focused on sports and foreign exchange. We need to think about the future of the children of Jamaica in our planning. Of course, Trelawny is not only for yam and Olympians. Let's think about future architects, doctors, lawyers, teachers, welders, engineers, masons, carpenters, etc.