Carole Beckford

Open letter to Ernest Hilaire and Julian Hunte

2012-02-19T13:41:00.000-06:00

I am a concerned West Indies cricket supporter who honestly thinks the efforts to get the best support for the game is not being managed effectively. We the people of the Caribbean would like to know the following:
1.Is Chris Gayle ever going to play again under your leadership?
2.Will the impasse between Chris Gayle and the WICB be resolved, anytime soon, or ever?
3.What are your short and medium terms plan for cricket?
4.How much longer do you both have in office?
5.Are you satisfied that the upcoming tour of Australia has been offered the best options for locations and earnings?
6.When will we hear the truth, nothing but the truth, so help us God?
7.What technical/financial support is being offered to JCA to reach the standard to host a first class test/T20

If you answer YES to any of these questions (1,2, or 5) then the rest of the answers should lead us somewhere. If the answers are NO, then you both should resign.

What NO means here, is that neither of you have the best interest of cricket and it is possible you do not know what to do...cause that is the impression we are getting. I have been following WI cricket since 1974 and this has to be one of, if not the worst spell of leadership I have seen.

We have had the best cricketers in the world and while the performance of the players started to slip back in 1995, way before your time in leadership, you have done very little to help, based on what we have seen/heard. I urge you therefore to
1.tell the people the TRUTH
2.resolve the matters at hand
3.tell us why the best players in the region are out playing for other clubs

I am giving you an ultimatum of 30 days within which time you can call an emergency meeting of your board and do what is required.

WI cricket is dying under your leadership and we as a people do not want that. We like options. Use the best efforts to get this done

Australia vs. West Indies - March 16 to April 27

2012-02-18T11:07:00.002-06:00

I must admit this note is being written with a little bit of anger, so forgive my use of emotive language.

I have not seen or heard of a WICB development plan in a long time, so I am not sure what they have planned for
■player development
■venue development
■marketing
■financial planning and growth
■competitions
■media rights and broadcasting
■export of players
■human resource management
■capacity building for countries

What then I ask, what are the statistics with respect to hosting events in the region? What are the top earning venues and how are we going to develop the others? Is this the first time Australia is coming to the West Indies and not playing in Jamaica?

My idea for any tour would depend on the following
■airfare
■accomodation
■ground transportation
■meals
■training facilities
■crowd support/fan base
■foreign exchange rates
■suitability
■media output
■safety and security

Jamaica as a top-rated tourist destination by any survey has most if not all those in place at a very high standard...then why isn't Sabina Park a venue of choice?

Now it takes me to the point of LEADERSHIP...each participating country must have a plan which includes all the things I mentioned above which feeds into an overall programme and then the WICB would design programmes aimed at improving the sport - amidst all the accusations of insularity, mismanagement, bad mind and just plain inability to get the job done.

One of the best assets in cricket is not representing the WI now. Why? Because a few ill-advised persons have taken it on themselves to apply justice, natural justice and personal vendettas against him (Chris Gayle); and the JCA has said nothing.

We want answers

We want efficient people to lead

We want people with a CRICKET agenda

We want the best business and financial model

Andy Cummings was FAR less a cricketer than Chris and T&T made their voices heard....go figure!

I am sick and tired of the drama...how about you?

Rihanna and the Willie Bounce

2012-02-13T12:07:00.002-06:00

The 54th Grammy Awards celebration is now behind us. I enjoyed the 'throw back' because I got to enjoy some really first class music being modernized. I am happy to know Bruce Springstein is still relevant, Bruno Mars gave us a doo-wop performance something Frankie Lymon (Why Do Fools Fall in Love) would have been proud of; The Beach Boys; Glen Campbell (Rhinestone Cowboy) and much more. Chris Brown's Lip Sync was classic, he showed off his physical abilities and his dancers did their thing.

Rihanna has been blazing the trail and representing herself well...and has some firsts in terms of digital sales etc. I may know enough of her music, but her Caribbean origin has is well known, but she has impacted on the world scale and she continues to make inroads. So her 'Willie Bounce' was the topic of discussion last night and into this morning and I am appalled at the words thrown at this lady.

They have been from her physical look, hair, dance moves, videos and the information was almost too much for me; but I say this to say...

1. So she has used Willie Bounce - so what? What have we done with the dance if it is ours

2. The young lady knows her market and is driving her product to meet the needs of her market

3. She obviously knows the power of the Jamaican Brand...do we? If so, how are we using it?

I find us quick to criticise, vilify, destroy people by our comments, without offering a palatable solution, and I am bothered; especially since we are in an economy that the creative sectors of sport and entertainment are so valuable.

I challenge our entertainers and those who manage and support to use our skills, expertise and talent to explore the options, put in to practice and make MONEY from it. In the meantime protect the enviable Jamaican Brand...use what is positive to enhance the Brand and by extension see it as a by product of the rich culture Jamaica has.

Leave Rihanna alone....Mind your own business.

Note: I heard Jeffrey Campbell on RJR 94 FM on Palav and he represented his craft, himself, family and JAMAICA at a level I wish some of our entertainers should. Call Gerry McDaniel at RJR to hear the programme. It was a joy to listen to.

The Business of Sport, May 3 - 4, 2012

2012-02-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

We are 84 days away from the second edition of The Business of Sport and we would like your continued support. The event will be in Kingston, May 3 -4 and will have two exciting days of dialogue, networking, action and opportunities to create better business relationships. We are using the theme "Stay in the Game" and we think the discussions around

Contracts
Sport Psychology
Image and Dollars
Money Management
Culture and Sport
Athletes and how they survive

...will help the discussion along as we seek to find new ways and means to get a better handle of The Business of Sport.
We hope you will make the trip. Please go now to www.thebusinessofsport.org and register so we can secure your spot for the event.

You will soon get your notices regarding air travel, hotel accommodation and general transportation. The conference fee remains at US$150. Please pass this information on to your colleagues.

We look forward to hearing back from you

Thanks as always for your support.

Bolt is Jamaica's Sportsman of the Year 2011

2012-01-20T23:29:00.000-06:00

Usain Bolt was declared Sportsman of the Year for 2011 and won three other awards at the RJR National Sportsman and Sportsman of the Year Award. This is Usain's third year copping the top award, having won in 2008 and 2009. Bolt edged out teammate, Yohan Blake who was runner up.

Bolt also took the first-time Sagicor Iconic award, given to an athlete who has impacted on Jamaican sports and is regarded to having achieved iconic reach and stature.

Outside of the false start in the Daegu World Championships, Bolt ended the 2011 season on top of the rankings for the 100 metres and was part of the record breaking 400 metres relay, for which he also received an award. The other trophy was for him being the Category winner for Track and Field.

Bolt is the defending Olympic Champion for the 100 and 200 metres and is set to open his season on Saturday, February 11 with a 400 metres in Kingston.

Announcements were recently made for his participation in Rome on May 31 and Oslo, June 7.

Mistaken Identity? Bolt and Branson

2012-01-16T15:38:00.000-06:00

Usain Bolt was declared the most marketable athlete in 2010 and several campaigns in Track and Field (worldwide); Jamaica and the Caribbean have featured this 25-year old Jamaican superstar.

in 2007 ran a world leading in the 100 metres and consolidated his position at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, Berlin in 2009, Daegu in 2011 and plans to successfully defends his titles in London in 2012.

Bolt won a 200 m gold medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships, making him the competition's youngest-ever gold medalist. In 2004, at the CARIFTA Games, he became the first junior sprinter to run the 200 m in under 20 seconds with a time of 19.93 s,[9] breaking the previous world junior record held by Roy Martin by two-tenths of a second. He turned professional in 2004, and although he competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics, he missed most of the next two seasons due to injuries. In 2007, he broke Don Quarrie's 200 m Jamaican record with a run of 19.75 s.

He has partnered with Puma, Hublot, Gatorade, Digicel, Virgin Media and has a Foundation which he has used through United Way of Jamaica to give back to the Jamaican community.

One of his most recent partnerships, Virgin Media, sees him pretending to be Richard Branson, promoting a fast service to be offered by Virgin Media in the UK. What that relationship does is combine speed, star quality and puts together two businessmen who are intent on growing their businesses.

Now if that is a case of Bolt have a case of mistaken identity...then we are unaware of what Branding and Brand positioning is.

Let's be positive!

Jamaica as a Sporting Franchise

2012-01-15T13:47:00.000-06:00

Lots of ideas are being tossed around now about how Jamaica can capitalise on earnings from sports. And sure the ideas will continue to flow, however there has to be a successful model the country should follow for economic viability. There are some key areas of focus for the sporting industry which can help to make Jamaica a successful sporting franchise

Venues to host events - because sport is a consumer driven activity one has to have an experience to enjoy journeying to a venue to not just watch a game, but be comfortable in a seat, be able to purchase snacks/meals of choice, use clean bathroom facilities, be able to have secure parking, have a well lit facility, be able to host games at various times.
Top performing team - One of the real reasons people support sport is because their favourite team is doing well and does so consistently. That team has a particular colour and fans go out in numbers to watch and cheer. The team in turn should be able to raise funds from selling fan gear. Also the community gets a lot of attention when the team performs well
Marketability - teams should have a star or two...players/athletes that can be related to. The player/athlete should be able to identify with a wide cross section of people, identify with the community and be able to capture the essence of the brand he/she is representing. Those qualities are complemented by the ability to look and sound good and manage effectively on the field of play
Have a marketplace - teams can use the community/town of origin and its history to create a buzz so people become curious, then have information which can be shared to the wider public. Take for example New York - they have the Knicks, Yankees, Giants, Jets, Rangers...all of which has kept a particular level of performance. The fact that the NY Giants could go all the way, would certainly create an additional umph for the physical place and would drive activities like merchandising, media presence and the feel good factor for a long time
Media relations - Jamaica has to have content for the media at all times; be conversant with the use of new media to send out its messages and be open to communicating with the media even in times when things are not going as planned. Jamaica's image is strong in the minds of sporting fans and should always remain in the minds whether through merchandise, personality or just consistent media presence
Entertainment Value - the importance of Entertainment should not be ignored and as a result, no sporting event should take place without an entertainment component. Jamaica's star power in Entertainment is available and should be efficiently interwoven into sporting events
Merchandising - even though we have some complication with image rights of some of our stars, Jamaica's messages should be so strong that items can be taken to the market and financial rewards about - "I am Jamaica - I am strong and bold" "I am Jamaica - I am fast and reliable"

After 50 years there are some things we can let go, however in going forward, let us have our own values and attitudes resonate in Jamaica and across the rest of the world.

The Olympics is very close - less than 200 days, but then there is World Championship T&F in Russia in 2013, World Cup Football in Brazil in 2014, World Netball Championship, Boxing Events, Golf Events some of which we can leverage to continue to promote the Brand...what say you?

Football (soccer) Scholarships for Jamaican Athletes

2012-01-08T09:24:00.002-06:00

A few football (soccer) coaches from the USA were in Jamaica over the last week looking at talent and making offers. Our Jamaican students from all accounts do not lack talent and in most cases, have the requisite academic qualifications to matriculate for colleges from Division III right up and even Community Colleges where applicable. What is happening through, is the young people and their parents are not familiarising themselves enough with the rules of the NCAA and this could prove to be problematic.

Here are some tips
1.There is an NCAA Guide to enter college website you can look at and study
2.Most times you need SATs (scores vary); unless you are a college student in Jamaica
3.It is illegal to accept money from ANY Coach
4.You should not prepare to attend the school without the requisite visa (I-20)
5.If you plan to visit beforehand, parents should accompany their children (which parent sends off a teenager to a strange place without doing basic investigation)
6.The NCAA is there to help balance education, sport and social life - use them
7.Get offers in writing on official letter heads and confirm with college, that the coaches do in fact work there

While we may seem desperate for opportunities, it should not make us make silly decisions which may affect children's future and make them inelligible for lots of other opportunities. Also, go to www.ncaa.org there is lots of information there.

Let's not ruin our young people's lives any further....and guess what, if you do not know, ask questions.

Treasure Beach Sports Park (ready for Spring 2012)

2012-01-03T22:04:00.000-06:00

The newly constructed Treasure Beach Sports Park, due to officially open to the wider region and the world, this Spring 2012, was the venue for a visit from three top soccer coaches out of the USA on Tuesday (January 3).

The coaches who traveled from West Virginia University, Villanova University and FC Delco Club toured the 15 acre facility which will eventually house
■Four soccer fields
■Three cricket strips
■Four tennis courts
■Basketball and Netball court
■Recreational area with picnic tables and equipment
■Bathrooms and changing area
■Equipment and Storage facility

The facility is complete with an irrigation system and is staffed from residents of St. Elizabeth led by Project Manager, Jason Henzell, owner/proprietor of Jakes Hotel. The facility currently hosts teams from the community Super League where matches are played on the main field. Henzell has assembled a team of techinical, administrative, marketing and operational professionals. Corporate sponsors are already coming onboard to be a part of this innovative Sport Tourism product, nestled in the south west region of Jamaica.

The Treasure Beach Sports Park is now in phase one of four parts and will be ready to host national/international camps and tournaments as of April 2012.

In addition to the facility, there is a Youth Leadership programme which is also a major part of the operation and will form part of the overall offer to national and international groups who will use the facility.

Bolt, still breaking records

2011-12-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

With 210 days (as of December 30) to go before the London Summer Olympic Games, Usain Bolt is about to set another record. His Social Media numbers have been improving rapidly and even in off season, he seems to be attracting new fans. Bolt's Facebook numbers are moving closer to 6 million and he stands to achieve that before the Games...while on Twitter his number has doubled in less than six months.

Facebook Fans total 5.72 million, while Twitter has shown great growth since May moving from 125,000 then to 328,000. The interaction for Bolt, who talks 'often' to his fans has opened up a new set of opportunities for him. Since November he has added over 87,000 fans on Facebook and just under 20,000 Twitter followers.
Bolt ended the 2011 season unbeaten and has copped several nominations including Laureus Awards (won in 2008 and 2009); Latin American and Caribbean AOY; IAAF top 100 sprinter, IAAF Male athlete of the year. He missed out on the JAAA top prize, but was a contender.
Although Bolt is reaping rewards from the track...off the track he has been making a significant contribution to charity, by pledging his support to the 14th Sigma Corporate Run (February 19, 2012); and continues to support projects through his Usain Bolt Foundation.
Coming up early in 2012...a few major projects will be announced including business partnerships and more charity activities. Bolt and his Racers Track Club team mates are in full preparation mode for the active 2012 track and field season.
He has been also nominated for the RJR Sports Foundation Awards, scheduled for Friday, January 20 in Kingston.

Sport Outlook for Jamaica for 2012

2011-12-17T10:49:00.000-06:00

As the London Summer Olympics draw closer (223 days to go) there are so many opportunities for Jamaican sportsmen and women to shine in their respective disciplines. The country has exhibited it has potential in a few areas, like
■Badminton
■Bodybuilding
■Boxing
■Chess
■Cycling
■Golf
■Gymnastics
■Hockey
■Lawn Tennis
■Martial Arts
■Motor Racing
■Polo
■Squash
■Surfing

Some of those listed above are not Olympic Sporting disciplines, but will have major events to expose the wide range of talent available. Some of the most successful at the international level are Track and Field, Cricket, Football, Basketball, Netball, Table Tennis, Volleyball - based on team standings, scholarships, players' participation in international leagues and media impact.

As 2012 draws closer, the athletes are all preparing to put on a great show and all the support available should be given to create an environment which makes it easier for them to produce great results as we all expect.

Business and Investment Opportunities

The investment opportunity for sport will also be on the country's radar as there are facilities across Jamaica which can help to boost the industry and in fact concretise Jamaica's position, as not only the place which produces world-class athletes, but as a venue for The Business of Sport.

The potential of the Treasure Beach Sports Park which sits on a 15-acre property which can house four football (soccer) fields, three cricket fields with nets, tennis, basketball, netball courts along with a recreational area for play is just one of the many projects available.

The two-day conference on The Business of Sport (May 3 - 6) will be held under the theme 'Stay in the Game' and will highlight the six major areas of how to stay in the game - Legal (contracts), Marketing, Media, Psychology (Maintaining the Competitive Edge), Nutrition and Events will continue to focus Jamaica's priorities. These projects require private and public sector partnerships and should be attractive for potential partners.

Let's support the Sports Industry, one of the Jamaica's best prospects for growth and development - one which require people and can generate well needed funds for the economy.

Usain Bolt - Unbeaten in 2011

2011-12-09T08:25:00.001-06:00

Announcers now call him, “the great man", and rightly so, as no known human being has ever run faster. But this season, Usain Bolt may have earned that titled even more so than in past world record-setting years. This season, Bolt’s greatest challenger was not Tyson Gay, or countryman Asafa Powell, but his own limitations as a man. Bolt’s greatness in 2011 was not embodied in an unimaginable time or a thrilling victory, but through overcoming injury and human error to still retain his title as the world’s fastest man.

No less decorated than in years past – posting the fastest 100m time of 2011 (9.76) winning the world championship in the 200m, and bringing yet another gold medal and world record home to Jamaica in the 4x100m relay – Usain Bolt has once again produced a thrilling campaign of races. However, what may be all the more impressive, despite not being in his best form, Bolt completed the 2011 campaign with a nearly perfect record of nine first place finishes – the only blemish being the false-start in Daegu.

6-May-11 Rome 100m First Place 9.91
31-May-11 Ostrava 100m First Place 9.91
9-Jun-11 Oslo 200m First Place 19.86
8-Jul-11 Paris 200m First Place 20.03
22-Jul-11 Monaco 100m First Place 9.88
29-Jul-11 Stockholm 200m First Place 20.03
28-Aug-11 Daegu 100m False-start
3-Sep-11 Daegu 200m First Place 19.4
4-Sep-11 Daegu 4x100m First Place 37.04 World Record
13-Sep-11 Zagreb 100m First Place 9.85
16-Sep-11 Brussels 100m First Place 9.76 Fastest Time of 2011

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ATHLETES

2011-10-13T12:19:00.000-06:00

October 13, 2011

As the business of sport grows and generates billions of dollars across the world, more and more athletes are finding creative ways to market and brand themselves. Social Media has played a major role. The use of traditional media plus Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and SKYPE are the major internet tools being used to reach out to a wider range of fans and consumers. How then can Jamaican athletes benefit from this massively growing platform?

So whether it’s a tweet from New England Patriot’s wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco on what he is having for lunch; Tennis superstar, Serena Williams’ movie night at her home or Usain Bolt’s countdown to training for the 2012 season…they talk to us more than ever before through the use of Social Media. Ochocinco and Williams each have over two million followers on Twitter; while Bolt has just over a quarter million.
How can Social Media help? It gets you up close and personal with the public and it makes them feel like they know you even more and that is great. It also gives sponsors an additional outlet for athletes to promote its relationship with shoes, shirts, watches, footballs, boots or even a line of food items.

Of course there are down sides to this tool as it is immediate, it spirals quickly and it reaches more people in a short space of time, beyond imagination.
According to Bleacher Report “sometimes athletes don't know how to keep their mouths shut. They believe that they are invincible and untouchable despite what they stir up. Social networking has allowed athletes the opportunity to be more vocal and communicative with fans and fellow athletes, not necessarily for the better.”
Here are some examples of bad tweets - While he was playing for the U.S. national team, Brian Chu

ng felt that his club team, the Houston Dynamo, was cheated by the refs and didn't hesitate to tweet his reaction – “Ref in Seattle just cheated the dynamo. What a joke. Not even close. Ref is a cheat.”
While Marcus Jordan is undoubtedly correct in his comments towards those who continuously compare Kobe Bryant to the elder Jordan, this tweet was unnecessary - “NO ONE…and I mean no one should ever com par kobe Bryant to my dad…”
To find out the dos and don’ts of Social Media from the Managers, Sponsors and Public’s perspective, attend the Social Media and Athletes Workshop on Tuesday, November 8 from 8:00 – 11:00 am at the Jamaica Pegasus. Participants may register online at www.thebusinessofsport.org Entry is J$1,500

There is a special rate for groups of ten or more. The event is put on by Carole Beckford and Associates and Strategic Corporate Interventions and brought to you by the Gleaner.

Job Description for Jamaica's next PM

2011-09-28T09:36:00.002-06:00

Now is a good time, if ever, to put together a job description for Jamaica's Prime Minister. Over the last 49 years we have been really testing the leadership/management of this country and while some things have worked, there are a lot more things that could change.

The next PM should be a good manager
The next PM should be a good negotiator
The next PM should understand protocol
The next PM should be able to make decisions in a timely manner
The next PM should be able to select the best team to carry out the work required to grow Jamaica
The next PM should at least know what industries are trending and select the champions to move them ahead
The next should have read the following books over the last five years - The Politics of Change - Michael Manley; Animal Farm - George Orwell; Things Fall Apart - Chinua Achebe; Humility - Andrew Miller; Leading without Power (will find the author)
The next PM should have had another job outside of politics
The next PM should have some volunteer experience

I know there are more things to add, but this could be a good start....

P.S. I know commitment to people is important, but since that cannot be measured whether by an interview or by a psychometric, I will stick to these for now.

JAMAICA needs stronger club structure in track and field

2011-09-27T08:56:00.000-06:00

KINGSTON, September 2010 Just over 62 years ago, Jamaica participated in its first Summer Olympic Games in London. This was after a 12-year break from the Games because of World War II. The last being in Berlin, where American Jesse Owen took the world by storm. Jamaica (with the Union Jack flag as its symbol) copped three medals - one gold and two silver. Arthur Wint won gold in the 400 metres and silver in the 800 metres; while Herb McKenley took silver in the 400 metres. Since then the country has participated in every Summer Games.

Fast forward to 2008 edition in Beijing where the country earned its most medals in the Games history - six gold, three silver and two bronze for a total of 11. What has been the constant throughout these years? The love for track and field, and so the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) and its affiliates have made every effort to manage the sport.

As is customary in any business, the success has opened the doors of opportunity and the country has a glorious chance to create a dynamic club structure which fosters the growth and development of track and field. The two known and outstanding clubs are

- MVP led by Bruce James

- Racers led by Glen Mills

I know there are others around, but they need to be formalised and organised to absorb the ground swell of people/potential athletes who now seek to be trained and developed in Jamaica.

What has happened the burden is now on those two clubs and with hunt for medals on for 2011 (Daegu) and 2012 (London) - athletes have begun and will continue to search for a comfortable track and field home.

I am calling on the rest of the clubs to become formal and attract athletes and create a structure around them that will help them development. The templates are available and no need to re-invent the wheel. October/November is the start of the club year so there is time to get cracking. It would be a great way to support the sport of track and field we all love

What say you?

College System - Bridging the Gap

2011-09-18T07:21:00.003-06:00

For the 2011 – 2012 period in the collegiate system in the Jamaica, close to 100 student athletes have been awarded scholarships from colleges. Mico University, University of Technology, University of the West Indies and the GC Foster College of Physical Education & Sport have so far registered their intention to prepare and improve on the development of athletes from various sporting disciplines. It suggests that for the next four years, we should see our student athletes continue with their excellent performances on the field of play, but also have greater access to acquire requisite training and development in other professional areas.
These scholarships are a welcome addition to the growth and development of the sport industry as Jamaica progresses and grow into the sporting mecca of the world. This effort has to be lauded. While the colleges/universities have their own agenda in terms of collegiate competitions, it may also be a great idea to have the athletes at least meet once/twice each year to exchange notes and ideas on their varied experiences in a controlled setting. The offices of Students Affairs may want to coordinate on their calendars.
We know the value of a great education especially to athletes who seek the best opportunity for earning ability and it is the responsibility of the athlete to seek this out, but the system can and is playing its role. The efforts by the college system are also important as it is this age group, 17 – 26, that poses some challenges, according to researchers. So I am hoping we can officially track some of these individuals to look at their overall progress in highlighting the validity of the programmes and what shortfalls there may be, with recommended improvements.
Support Programmes
While we are growing the industry though, it is also of value that we train to provide the support in administration, technical, social and other developmental areas. We have seen how quickly the sport sector is growing and is bursting at the seams in some areas; but we have to be mindful that the athlete base does not outgrow the support we can offer.
It is therefore important to have better access to courses in sport management, sport psychology, sport administration, sport nutrition, statistics, budgeting and finance as areas that will complement the training being done on the academic side for the athletes. The Business of Sport while having the athletes can only be stronger if the support grows. The formal four-year programmes do offer some of the related courses, but there are creative ways to offer professional modules which last for up to 45 hours, making it also in keeping with international standards. What this does too is attract some people from ‘outside’ the industry to make better use of some skills and knowledge.
An athlete ultimately wants to perform at the highest level of competition, either in the world championship of their respective sport or the Olympic Games, and while London is just around the corner, the Brazil 2016 programme should start now. I am excited at these developments and we look forward to the support from all. Well done!

September 14, 2011

What makes an athlete tick?

2011-09-16T17:20:00.000-06:00

Athletes appeal to us for different kinds of reasons and over the years lots of us have been drawn to specific athletes because of look, performance, personality, teeth, eyes, ears and so many other things. Most of the athletes we like are also great to watch on the field/court of play and television audiences have largely been affected by that in recent times. However, have you ever stopped to think what drives to perform at the highest level with giving top performances consistently? What really makes them tick?
All great athletes have committed themselves by exhibiting dedication, discipline, stick-to-itiveness and even a willingness to compete when the odds are against them and there are times we would really like to get into their heads to know how they think, what motivates them, what are the likes and dislikes and also how do they remain human?
The psychologists will tell you great athletes are coachable, they have a strong work ethic, they are aware of their work environment, they have composure, presence and poise; they may even be confident. But beyond that, there is always something(s) that touch(es) on the soft side, make them want to quit and also an inner part which want to do what they really want to do like party, drink, smoke, drive fast, put on weight out of season and even not want to train as per a schedule.
It is important for management of these athletes to understand these idiosyncrasies and work on a way to best manage and get the best out of the athlete simultaneously.
1. All world beaters want to always be on top and will want to perform better with each outing
2. All world beaters welcome competition but would prefer to be on top and will work hard at remaining on top
3. All world beaters listen to that ‘little’ voice in the back of their heads or even voices from outside, then do what they want to do. We have to give them choices with consequences so they are better able to make informed decisions
4. They also know when to take a break, even it does not agree with what the coaches/management say, but they take the break anyway. How long they stay on that break is what requires adjustment
5. We sometime spend too much time giving them instructions, as opposed to listening to them to hear their opinions. As the athlete gets older and more mature they too begin to develop a mind of their own and will require guidance and not instructions
6. They dream and if they share their dream with you, take that as your template to make the dream happen. There are times however, when you can be honest to say the dream cannot happen. Be gentle.
7. Be aware of the friends they have and be aware of the other instructions they get. Be positive in telling them the realities.
8. Listen more and talk less sometimes
9. For those who are close to their immediate family, embrace that, you may pick up a few ideas which could prove valuable in the near future
10. Talk to them not at them
Bill Cole, a mental game coach, out of California has written on the topic Championship Athletes – what makes them tick? Take a read sometimes.
In one of his columns he said “they learn from themselves, from those around them and from their environment. They embrace winning, competition and reaching their potential as athletes and as individuals. We can also learn a tremendous amount from them.”

CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

2011-09-09T08:29:00.000-06:00

I have had some privileges afforded to me in my career in sport and I am eternally grateful. And certainly in my numerous capacities, I know it is necessary to share with others in formal and informal situations where I can. I am also lucky to be a teacher, so therefore I have the classroom as my outlet. One of the realities of life is knowledge is power, only if you share it to make a positive impact.

So I have listened, read and heard numerous comments about the athletes' performances on and off the track and I am appalled, but somehow, better educated and informed about the expectations of people in a society like ours where the opinion is fact. However, not until you have worked in the environment, then assumptions are entirely out of place. As I always suggest, if you do not know...ask.

I would hasten to add, that still in 2011, there are some sections of our society who see sports as an outlet for people with nothing else to do and with that premise it is neither important and does not require any kind of hard work and dedication at all. So those of us who have sacrificed and defied the odds by competing or helping to guide those who compete are making sure we cover all bases.

The balance is being created by the BUSINESS OF SPORT, as significant earnings can take place and are taking place and people are making a living from Sport so the requisite training, management and discipline and maintenance is required.

Getting to the point. There are some people who wield a lot of influence in Jamaica and have used that influence to their own cause - nothing wrong with that; but also do not be quick to judge, especially if you are not familiar with the specifics. Those who write should write to empower. Those who speak should speak to empower and those who lead should lead to empower.

None of the athletes or artistes I must add, go out of their way to do anything to demean or undermine their profession, family, country and should be accepted as such; the creative outlet however, limited to the sport or music can cause overwhelming emotions to act 'out of accordance' with standard rules. And so my dear friends, use your influence to impact on the sector, which is obviously one of the most positive for Jamaica to help an athlete or an artiste. Volunteer. Offer your professional services. Bring back the community spirit to Jamaica.

The bearers of standards in Jamaica have shifted and the creative people are low hanging fruits (easy to pick) so they are heavily scrutinised. Our comparisons are a corrupt law enforcement system and justice system; white collar crimes; biased media, so the pickings become easy. Learn from those of us who have been in the trenches and help us grow. Most of us are willing to grow.

As we approach 50 years of political independence, I ask how independent are we really? We seem stuck in some kind of colonial past and won't get out of the little box we have been placed in. That is dangerous and counterproductive to any kind of growth.

I have avoided being specific, but I think the message is clear.

More time

Sport Manager - what is the real role?

2011-09-03T02:18:00.000-06:00

Whether it is a team sport or an individual sport, athletes are hard to manage. This is not because they set out to be difficult, but that is how it usually is. The role of a Sport Team Manager is diverse, but should not be complicated as long as there is efficient and effective communication.

Jamaican sporting federations have been sending and hosting teams for a very long time and the people who get the job to manage these teams have always been placed under scrutiny. However, as sport and management practices have evolved, we need to adopt a few basic principles to ensure that the athletes are managed properly for the highest performance ever with as little issues as possible.

There is always the situation that the coaches think they are in charge, and they maybe, but they are only in charge of performance related activities. These though are critical to the athletes’ success as it is what the fans are primarily attracted to. But with more entertainment and lifestyle values coming into play, the athlete must win at all times. The team around the athlete simply facilitates.

Here are some tips to follow:

1. Communication and organization are key skills which must be learnt
2. Know the athlete or team you are managing – what they like, love and do not like
a. If it is a big team, get help in learning some back information about every member of the team. That information is valuable over the long term
3. Put the athlete/team’s interest first and not your own
4. Have regular interaction with all members of the team so all are generally on the same page
5. Learn from a previous manager
6. Sit in short management courses and study basic theories. Handling a group has dynamics you could never imagine
7. For teams that are likely to travel, make sure all members of the team has up to date passports and visa where necessary
8. Get the team together to see how they interact. This helps in room selection

There are some other key areas that I will mention which include medical, clothing, shoe sizes and just any other relevant information like home address, email and skype information.

It is also important to know the financial status of each member of a team just to be balanced in expectations and even actions on the part of each athlete. This then brings into play legal representation. As the business of sport becomes more probable, athletes have attorneys-at-law which play an important role in their lives and managers ought to know and respect that representation.

Sport is and is becoming more and more part of the Jamaican lifestyle and the competition though primarily on the field of play is also is how teams and athletes are managed to meet the demands of the comprehensive lifestyle sport has to offer. It is important that teams and athletes make that commitment to have managers who are qualified and have credibility. It is all part of the Business of Sport.

Jamaica - a sporting destination

2011-08-22T18:08:00.000-06:00

Let’s go back…way back! Word is out that the ‘sun, sea and sand’ could be Jamaica’s best assets in promoting the island as a sporting destination.

Jamaica’s sporting achievements are well known on and off the field but as the small country approaches its 50th year of independence, there are efforts to capitalise on the multi-billion dollar sport and sport tourism industries for economic gain.

Jamaicans grace the field in as much as 20 sporting areas on the international scenes with credible and sometimes outstanding performances. More and more the athletes also make front pages of newspapers, magazine covers, billboards, television and radio appearances and even endorsed products and services. But the question remain, how can Jamaica earn from this? The answer is major sporting events.

Jamaica’s ability to earn significantly from sport has to be by hosting major events which brings in a large number of people, brings positive news about the country, attract significant coverage from a variety of media, impact on community and its residents and parades the technical capacity of volunteers. Access to venues is also critical and to venues which are close to rooms and attractions for the additional exposure to the exotic and adventure seeking visitor.

Tim Schneider, a US sport marketing expert and publisher thinks "Jamaica has so much to offer for someone who organises a major sporting event and so my suggestion is that Jamaica looks at making itself available as a host country for all sort of different events that aren't necessarily based here." Schneider who was a guest presenter at the Business of Sport two-day conference in May also suggested that "it's a competitive market now but because of the natural features of this island, it's just a perfect location for a variety of events and I think that can really help to build the economic impact that's realised from hosting international events."

It was on that basis that the natural resources of ‘sun, sea and sand’ were suggested focusing on sport/events like beach volleyball and other beach events, road events and even adventure events which include hiking, camping and obstacle events.

Sport is believed to now capture 10 per cent of the overall tourism market, but is set to increase over the next seven years with back to back major sporting events including World Cup Football, Summer Olympic Games and many other championships.

Jamaica’s competitive and comparative advantages being near-shore, hotel rooms, attractions, host venues, air seats and some of the nicest people in the world must be reasons why the country should focus its attention on marketing the island as a sporting destination.

Tourism experts in the Ministry and Jamaica Tourist Board have hinted at efforts to go this route in a more serious way and the Minister, Ed. Bartlett confirmed that when he spoke at the Business of Sport conference earlier this year. Minister has also added his support to the 2012 edition now scheduled for May 3- 6.

We look forward!

The Business of Sport, KINGSTON

2011-03-05T17:01:00.000-06:00

The Business of Sport - Get in the GAME

Join us for two days, eight sessions with some of the region's best sport business executives, educators and sponsors having in depth, honest and riveting discussions on the Business of Sport in Kingston, Jamaica on May 5 & 6, 2011 at the Jamaica Pegasus.

Hear from experts in several fields ranging from academics, marketing, branding, intellectual property, ticketing and even from the athletes. This is an exciting opportunity you would not want to miss and so your participation is important.

Come experience some of Jamaica best entertainment spots and watch history unfold at the Jamaica International Invitational on Saturday, May 7. This is a package you would want to have. You also never know who you may meet.

Conference fee is for just US$150 + Airfare and Hotel Accommodation (where applicable).

Join us in Kingston, the heartbeat of the Caribbean

A Caribbean Sport Academy (November 2006)

2011-01-31T08:29:00.000-06:00

So much of what Caribbean athletes aim to achieve, outside of personal glory, is an opportunity to be able to say 'my preparation and a lot of what I have achieved is through my work at home.'

The question is: How can the Caribbean sustain and improve its position in sport on the world scene in order to compete with its international opponents, most of whom have facilities and funding aimed at achieving excellence in performance?
What about a sport academy in the Caribbean? To have a sport academy programme set up for key sports within a regional sports partnership structure must be more than a thought at this point for the region. In an effort to build a super-power and to compete with the rest of the world, a timetable has to be set for putting the right structures in place. It may be a success story for the CSME.

individual sports
There are structures for individual sport, such as cricket and track and field using what is called high-performance centres. Jamaica is home to a high- performance centre in track and field; plans are in place for a football academy, and there is a cricket academy, in Grenada. Barbados will be the first English-speaking Caribbean country to have a high-performance centre for volleyball.

The academy has to be properly outfitted with the right team of people and the latest in equipment and supplies in line with international demands and trends. "Love sport, live sport" is a motto of a sport academy in the United Kingdom.
The invitation to join says: "If you're aged 16-19, already talented in your sport and would like to pursue a career as a professional sportsperson, this is the opportunity you've been waiting for. You can take advantage of new state-of-the art facilities at our Academy for Sport at Gateshead International Stadium, part of a multi-million pound development."
While the focus initially would be to develop athletes, we also must develop personnel in the areas that are supportive of athletes, in the area of cricket groundsmen for example.

Too often, we focus on the outcome before we look at preparation. The court/field must be in proper order and the equipment and facilities have to be maintained. We must train people to undertake these responsibilities. Already we are training educators at the GC Foster College of Physical Education in Spanish Town, Jamaica.
The sport academy should provide community and educational sport facilities as well as a top-grade training environment for athletes and people with the interest. It will enhance the development of the region's talented sports people and provide an environment which will help to retain the region's best performers. The academy will also offer unique opportunities to young people. They will train alongside élite athletes, work with the community and perfect sporting skills while gaining academic and coaching qualifications, all in an environment which inspires a nation and a region to achieve great success.

The regions we compete with have all these facilities in place and we should not depend on talent to help us achieve success at the highest level. Jamaica as a leader in the region in most sectors can influence a decision to make this happen.
Sport, now more than ever, has become one of the fastest-growing industries, and to compete, we must have the necessary plans in place.

Usain Bolt Year in Review - 2010

2010-12-29T15:28:00.001-06:00

Usain Bolt continued to break records in 2010 – the off year for track and field.

It was the year he renewed his contract with PUMA; added Hublot to his list of sponsors and electrified track and field fans at the 116th renewal of the Penn Relays in April. Also in 2010 he penned his illustrated autobiography, unveiled the Berlin Wall in Kingston and helped to re-open the Sherwood Content Health Centre; while Facebook fans passed three million. He also partnered with KLE to launch Usain Bolt Tracks and Records (opening soon).

PUMA
The announcement by PUMA in August reached approximately 14.1 million people with 419 articles across 28 countries. The estimated advertising spend would have been equivalent to over €2 billion. Bolt also shot a few commercials and did photo shoots to honour his commitments during the year.

HUBLOT
Bolt signed a deal with Hublot, a Swiss enterprise that creates luxury watches and joins other ambassadors such as his favourite football team Manchester United and Ayrton Senna. Jean-Claude Biver, chief executive of Hublot, said: “It is hugely symbolic for a watchmaker to see his watch worn by the fastest man in the world! The concept of time is sacred, for him and for us. We measure time, Usain always seems to outrun it!”
GATORADE
Usain and Gatorade took to Australia in September for business and pleasure. The Gatorade Bolt was launched and is taking Down Under by storm. The Aussies welcomed Bolt with ‘open arms’. Gatorade officials came to Jamaica in February for commercial production. The advertising campaign got multiple runs during the NBA play-offs which featured the Boston Celtics….Kevin Garnett, one of Bolt’s favourites.
DIGICEL
Bolt teamed up with the telecommunications firm to offer assistance to the Haiti Relief Fund, following the deadly earthquake in January.

Awards
Laureus Sportsman of the Year
Jamaica’s Sportsman of the Year
Sports Academy Grand Prix
Commonwealth Sports Awards
ESPY Track and Field Award
Face of Travel Award – beating Beckham, Costner, Nadal, Schwarzenegger

Special Features

Ebony 65th anniversary publication
ESQUIRE
Economist
Financial Times
Karibbean Expressions Magazine
CNN Lifestyle
Men’s Journal
The Man (Spain)
KUYA (Real Estate publication)
9.58 My Story
In penning his illustrated autobiography, BOLT partnered with Harper Collins and Ian Randle Publishers to distribute his book in the UK, Jamaica and sections of the Caribbean. Launches were held in London and Kingston and so far we are hearing over 25,000 have been sold off the shelves. Book was serialised by a Jamaican media entity (Jamaica Observer). Books are to be available in the USA and Canada soon.
On the TRACK
February 13 – Kingston – 400 metres – 45.87 seconds
April 24 – Philadelphia – 4 X 100 metres – 37.90 seconds (Yohan Blake, Mario Forsythe, Marvin Anderson) Penn Relays had 54,310 patrons, highest attendance ever in one day
May 1 – Kingston – 200 metres – 19.56 seconds
May 27 – Ostrava – 300 metres – 30.97 seconds
July 8 – Lausanne – 100 metres – 9.82 seconds
August 6 – Stockholm – 100 metres – 9.97 seconds

Philanthropy

- Mentor for 32 boys from selected Boys’ Home across the island
- Haiti Relief Fund
- Sherwood Content Health centre
- Piedmont Basic School
- Waldensia Primary
- William Knibb Memorial High School

FACE OF TRAVEL AWARD - Usain Bolt

2010-11-10T20:41:00.002-06:00

KINGSTON, NOVEMBER 10

Another award for Usain Bolt and we say WOW! But this one has far reaching implications for the Jamaican track and field superstar. The coveted Face of Travel Award was presented at the World Travel Awards Show in London on November 7.

Usain's extraordinary performance on the track has earned him several sport-related awards highlighting the fact that he has positively impacted on track and field over the last two years. He has continued the rich Jamaican tradition of excellence in sport pioneered by Herb McKenley, Don Quarrie, Merlene Ottey and so many others.

Usain and the current set of athletes have caused the eyes of the world to be staring at Jamaica and they ask "Why do Jamaicans run so fast?" When we find out, we won't tell you (smile)

Back to the Face of Travel Award....award for the icon who has contributed significantly to travel and tourism in 2010; this is a BIG thing and should be celebrated. When this lanky (not so lanky anymore) Jamaican track and field star beats out fellow sport stasr David Beckham & Rafael Nadal along with Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger; Hollywood elites, Kevin Costner and Kevin Spacey & Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickenson...I just think it is a BIG deal.

David Beckham earned appreciation for boosting his country’s tourism profile as he served as ambassador for England's 2018 World Cup bid. The tennis ace Rafael Nadal is also among the favorites to win the “Face of Travel” award as he actively supported a sport tourism campaign in his native Balearic Islands. Last year, he had won the title "World Tennis Player of the Year" at the World Sports Awards. Usain Bolt was featured in the Jamaica Tourist Board's campaign - Once you go, you know.

This therefore says Brand Jamaica is STRONGER than ever and Usain's impact is showing his diversity as a BRAND himself. What is also amazing, is Usain's season was cut short because of an injury but he remained in the news with the launch of his illustrated autobiography in September.

Bolt has received a set of awards, not directly realted to sport including being listed in Ebony's 65th anniversary edition as one of the best athletes in 65 years. The other Caribbean athlete is Sir Vivian Richards. He was also listed for Essence as Eye Candy - Hotties under 30; while askmen.com profiled him as the second most popular male figure beating US President, Barack Obama.

Usain in the off-season has added 30 per cent more fans to his facebook page totalling now over 2.5 million fans and pulls a crowd wherever he goes. His exploits on and off the track serve up a balanced meal with all the elements involved, not without some distractions, which are manageable.

We salute Usain and look forward to Daegu 2011 and London 2012.

More time

Women at the Control

2010-11-01T12:47:00.003-06:00

The five women who took to the turntables did not disappoint one bit. On Saturday, October 30 in Kingston, five women 'spun' for charity at Studio 38. They exhibited great knowledge of music across all genres and had the party crowd dancing all night.

Millicent Lynch, Trisha Thompson, Janet Silvera, Marilyn Bennet and I took turns in the alloted 30 minutes and thrilled the sizeable crowd on hand who came out to support.

Millicent kicked things off with a dancehall variety featuring artistes like Ding Dong, Vbyz Kartel, Beenie Man; while Trisha tipped the hat with Dancehall, Hip Hop, R&B and House; Janet Silvera's entry on a bike excited the crowd and she rolled out hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and current hits. Marilyn opened with Lady Saw's - Party till December and went back in time. I opened with a tribute to Buju Banton and played hits from Shaggy, Gregory Isaacs, Shabba and Luther Vandross.

Part proceeds from this event will go to the Kiwanis Club of West St. Andrew for two school feeding programmes (Ferry and Riverton Basic Schools). Dollis Capmbell was the promoter/organiser for the event.

Jamaica and 100 metres MEN

2010-08-21T17:38:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Jamaican men have led the Commonwealth and the World in 100 metres titles since 2006?

2006 - Asafa Powell - Commonwealth Games

2007 - Dexter Lee - World Youth Championship

2008 - Dexter Lee - World Junior Championship

2008 - Usain Bolt - Summer Olympic Games

2009 - Usain Bolt - World Championship

2010 - Dexter Lee - World Junior Championship

2010 - Odean Skeen - World Youth Olympic Games (Inaugural)

2011 - ???

Well done

Thanks to Paul Reid who supplied this information

Time to WALK in Falmouth

2010-08-19T08:24:00.002-06:00

I will support the move by the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) to 'pedestrianise' the town of Falmouth only if they can show that the town's businesses will flourish because of that adjustment.

Falmouth and by extension the parish of Trelawny will be opening its doors to new business opportunities within the next year as a new pier is being built and large cruise lines are expected to come to those shores.

What are the benefits?
1. a cleaner space
2. opportunity for a unique shopping experience
3. operators of the businesses to take better care of their facilities
4. better use of the spaces which were originally created for cultural and social interaction
5. greater awareness of the rich history of the town of Falmouth (our heritage has taken a battering that side)
6. better access to the market

What should therefore happen

1. Alternative, safe (PAID) parking facilities (great way to raise money for maintenance and hiring of staff)
2. Proper signage so people know how to use the town
3. Dialogue with the key stakeholders so all are on the same page

Several opportunities will arise and proper planning has to start NOW, if it has not started yet. The satkeholders are well known and the local authorities along with key lead agencies MUST now begin to act.

If the projections for Falmouth are any way close to what is suggested, then we are already behind in planning, but we have a short window of opportunity to get this right.

Falmouth is waiting to 'buss' out

Sport Services Export

2010-02-23T14:01:00.001-06:00

There has been a strong and growing demand for services across economies for decades, but more and more reports from international agencies are pointing us towards a world service economy. Traditional services have grown exponentially; which has created an opportunity for new services boosting job creation and becoming a major contributor to foreign exchange earnings.

The tourism industry has a range of services available, from the basic bed and breakfast, all inclusive properties, and time share, to name a few; while the wedding services, events management are becoming increasingly popular.

The Caribbean has undergone some studies and what has been clear is there is a plethora of services available. The sport services are to be included as part of this package. This includes access to production, music, fashion, photography, film, writing, music, library studio services as part of an overall suite.

My Caribbean colleague, Peter Adrien, in his book on his book on Sport Tourism has posited that golf, water sports and cricket offer the greatest opportunities in the region.

Golf for example, as identified by a Sport Marketing Survey (2003) says there are 61.1 million golfers worldwide with 37.1 million in the USA; 13.6 million in Asia. Now when you look at the travel patterns of tourists from those regions it means the Caribbean can coordinate programmes to attract much more tourists from those regions. If the services are available to package the sport, destination and the support, then a product of sport and service is available.

There are some statistics we have that we can use to our benefit. Two of every five US adult tourist are sport travelers; most event travelers are spectators and tourists who travel for sporting events, will normally return for a leisure trip.

What then does the Caribbean need to do? Organise more golf tournaments. Integrate the sport and the entertainment elements and talk to major networks across the world to broadcast to a discerning audience. While Tiger Woods has been incredible for the golf world, there is now a need to find his successor and if we are able to have that discovery, facilitated in the Caribbean, what a wonderful opportunity that would be.

The region boasts some of the most fascinating golf courses this side of the world from Anguilla to St. Lucia. Jamaica and Barbados are suggested to have the best courses, so a partnership would also not be out of the question. In Jamaica Tryall and Half Moon are stand outs; while in Barbados, Sandy Lane and Royal Westmoreland are superior.

As part of the service offering, we look for practice facilities, clinics, professional training session, gym facilities and spa areas for relaxation. Housing developers are also in the mix to provide high-end and sophisticated homes for sale/long term leasing.

The Caribbean is destined for a place on the golf world map, and joint marketing may be the solution to get the world to come to the region for golf. We should plan a tri state championship, for example in Barbados, Jamaica and Antigua and invite Golf TV, ESPN and other networks across the globe to be a part. We could even be the place for the re-emergence of the Tiger. Fore!!!

SPORT and ENTERTAINMENT

2010-02-06T07:57:00.001-06:00

If there is ever a time the Jamaica sport and entertainment industries should combine efforts to maximize their earning potential it is now. Both industries have tremendous potential in the Jamaican context to do the following

- Attract far more visitors to the island by hosting major events
- Creating a more formal approach to the sectors
- Package both industries to have greater impact on the world market
- Create more job opportunities for the people of Jamaica
- Create even more opportunities for networking and partnerships with corporations and countries with similar interests

As the country’s athletes prepare for some major events across the world there are opportunities for both industries to refocus their attention to get into those markets.

So for next year, the export sector should prepare manufacturers and other business persons to go after Korea - 2011 World Athletics Championship; London – 2012 Summer Olympics; Brazil - 2014 World Cup Football. These are just a few of the regions which could create opportunities for growth in both sectors.

Jamaica’s Brand image is highlighted by the positive publicity both entertainment and sport offer to the country and while the world marvels at the performances of our athletes and artistes; more should be done to ensure that the economic prospects are created and maximized.

The national export strategy which seeks to champion the major export categories, should as part of its outreach, look for opportunities in those non-traditional areas.

Role of policy makers

The value of the entertainment and sport sectors has not been able to show tangible figures and because of that, there has been doubt in some quarters that the value is emotional. While both are seen as unifying forces on the social agenda, it is time to formalize the system to ensure that this value is measured and the figures be reported to see its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Some preliminary figures from the Jamaica Tourist Board (1998 – 2004) indicated that close to three per cent of visitor arrivals during that period, came for sport,; does it then follow that the spend of the sport tourist is comparable to the typical tourist and would virtually contribute three per cent to GDP? That would be an interesting discovery of the necessary tools is developed to capture that figure.

Countries who have been successful in measuring the value of sport/entertainment to their economies have worked with the research and development agencies to look at trends, travel practices and even events which would attract high end visitors for the specific events.

There is room for the Planning Institute of Jamaica, Universities of West Indies and Technology and the Ministries with responsibility for Sport, Tourism and Entertainment to consider this; which may very well form a significant chunk of the Tourism Master Plan for the country for the next ten to 15 years. That would present an incredible opportunity. The results could vary, but the effort is worth a try.
Note: The Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium was a great alternative to house the 2010 Jamaica Jazz and Blues festival. I surely think it worked. What say you?

Maurice Greene in Jamaica

2010-01-22T07:55:00.002-06:00

KINGSTON, January 14
“If you think track and field was hard, try Dancing with the Stars,” said Maurice Greene, five time world champion and two time Olympic gold medalist. Greene got to the quarter final round while spending eight weeks in the ABC show.

Greene however, sat with journalists on Thursday in Kingston at a pre-lunch session and shared some of his opinions about the status of track and field. “Usain Bolt will probably go down as the ultimate sprinter and once he decides to run the 400 metres, he will definitely shatter that record,” said Greene. In commending Bolt, Greene noted that as Bolt body changes into more adult form, he could go even faster. He also observed that there are still some technical flaws with Bolt and if corrected, the sky is the limit.

Greene’s fastest time is 9.79 seconds over the 100 metres, is sure that the time will go even lower. He contends that the top three athletes remain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell; but thinks the US need a stronger personality to help to sell the sport in the USA. “Tyson is a little bit too quiet, but he has surpassed a lot of expectations.” Greene noted that the sport is suffering from a lack of visibility and needs to be shown more on television.

Greene is in Jamaica as a special guest of the organizing committee of the Douglas Forrest Invitational meet, scheduled for Saturday, January 16 at the National Stadium. The meet starts at 8:30.
Bahamian, Tonique Williams Darling will also be a special guest at the event.

Gatlin will not have it easy

2010-01-22T07:52:00.001-06:00

KINGSTON, January 14

USA embattled athelte, Justin Gatlin who plans to return to the track this July "will find it difficult to get back on track when he competes this year," says Maurice Greene.

"What he left in track has changed and so he may want to consider his options. The sport has changed so much in the last four years. I wish him the best of luck," noted Greene

Gatlin who served a four year ban for testing for a positive substance has issued a warning to the top three sprinters in the 100 and 200 metres sprint saying he wants to reclaim his position at the top. Gatlin's best time in the 100 metres is 9.85 seconds.

Greene sat in with journalists on Thursday in Kignston and spoke openly about the status and future of the sport. On Asafa Powell, Greene insisted "Asafa can only get it right if he gets mentally tough." He commended Asafa for his technique, noting that he comes the closest to running a perfectly technical 100 metres.

He also thinks his countrywoman Carmelita Jeter, has a mental flaw and needs to develop that area to win gold in a major championship.

On the future of USA dominance in sprint, Greene thinks it will take some five to six years for the USA to return to glory, citing Jamaica as the 'leader' in sprinting in the world.

He argues that the USA/Jamaica clash could only benefit the sport, although admitting that the Jamaicans are already beating the USA and the rest of the world.

Greene is in Jamaica along with Bahamian Olympian, Tonique Williams Darling as guests of the organisers of the Douglas Forrest Invitational, scheduled for the National Stadium this Saturday.

Greene and Darling (who arrived on Thursday evening) also attended the RJR Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus where Usain Bolt and Brigitte Foster Hylton walked away with the top prizes.

SPORT takes centre stage in 2010

2010-01-07T22:17:00.001-06:00

There is no doubt that there will be a plethora of major sporting activities across the world in 2010 which will help to highlight the growth and potential of the sport tourism market. Because of these events, sport tourists will be moving around to enjoy moments that they will cherish forever.
One easy competition is the World Cup Football, scheduled for South Africa which is just under 155 days away (as of Wednesday, January 6). Records from 2006 suggest that for one month, there were over three million spectators at the 64 games played, with an average of 52,000 spectators attending each game. The 2006 edition was also the most watched where it is reported that there were just over 26 million viewers.
South Africa (Motherland) will no doubt, try to outdo those numbers. What does this mean for the sport tourism element? People will still travel to see tournaments, enjoy the destination and be a part of history. That is what sport tourism aims to do.
Back home in Jamaica, the Boys Championships will be celebrating 100 years, and 11 years in combination with the Girls competition and already there is a buzz in Kingston of what is likely to happen. So the opportunities will be tremendous once the proper plans are in place.
The Inter Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) has outlined some of its plans and for the track and field fans, they are already on board; what then of the curious onlookers? So much has been written and spoken of Jamaica’s prowess in the athletics arena; shouldn’t this therefore be an opportunity for a multi-agency approach to attracting new groups to Jamaica? I did recommend that March 21 – 28 be designated track and field week in Jamaica, where we go after media in the areas of sports, lifestyle, food and locations to showcase the heartbeat of the Caribbean, Kingston.
In the first week of December nine major media houses from selected regions were in Kingston and the north coast to focus on Usain Bolt and his team ensured that the allure and essence of Kingston were captured as part of the overall picture. Those features are being aired from now until June as original runs and some may even feature repeats. We just need to keep the message going to attract the best of visitors to our shores.
As we continue to look at the prospects for Sport Tourism for 2010, the experts have determined it will carve out more of the overall tourism pie, accounting now for approximately 10 per cent. More money will be spent, more people will travel and so the destinations must improve its infrastructure and programmes (projects) which will capture the imagination of people.
Jamaica has the opportunity to go after sporting areas which has universal appeal and has the where-with-all to refocus its attention on sport tourism. The call is for the following associations to make the BOLD step forward – golf, tennis, swimming. There are additional opportunities for basketball, netball, hockey an football to focus on a new and untapped market – schools and colleges.
Here is my wish for a great year for sport tourism for Jamaica and by extension the Caribbean…we can do this!

Outlook for Sport Tourism for 2010

2009-12-10T16:23:00.001-06:00

Come 2010, lots of exciting major sporting events will take place around the world, focusing on World Cup Football, scheduled for South Africa. Jamaica’s Reggae Boys will not be participating, but Jamaica will be involved through its administrators of football, Captain Horace Burrell and Horace Reid.

What then can Jamaica do to maintain its position in the marketplace as a sport tourism destination? Lots of great prospects are available and so 2010 should be a year when Jamaica hosts at least two major sporting events to attract large quantities of sport tourists.

Coming off the heels of the performances of the track and field athletes in Berlin in August 2009, the essence of Jamaica is once again the talk of the world and there is so much to be done to keep the island’s name in the market place.

The Inter Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA) will celebrate 100 years of the hosting of the greatest high school championship anywhere in the world, so come March 24 to 27 Kingston will be buzzing with excitement. There are already queries being made about hotel rooms and places to go during that time.

The week of March 21 to 28 should therefore be a designated week of funs and activities in Kingston with

- top sport media
- top food network media
- media which focuses on teens
- media which focuses on social lifestyle

Boys and Girls Champs present all that and more and we have exactly three months to plan all these activities. This is another opportunity for the Jamaica Tourist Board and ISSA to partner and make Kingston the place to be March 21 – 28, 2010.

What this means therefore is the restaurants, theatres, night clubs should coordinate as much as possible to handle the audience we will have for Kingston during that time.

BOLT SUPERPARTY

World and Olympic record holder, Usain Bolt, played host to thousands of people at the Richmond Estate, St. Ann…Turnkey Production, Headline Entertainment and the UB Management team combined with sponsors to put on the first show of this kind. Highlighting the event was the combination of athletes and entertainers all of whom want to come back to Jamaica. Trinidad and Tobago’s Olympic medallist, Richard Thompson says “Jamaica has captured my heart, and I will definitely come back.” The USA star, Wallace Spearmon, fitted in all to well and he has promised to return soon.

On the entertainment side, Ludacris pay respect to Bolt and vows to do a charity event in Kingston at a time to be arranged and there are others on stand by to offer services. Jamaica is alive and well and we MUST make good use of these opportunities.

The Jamaica Tourist Board now has its hands full in determining a strategic approach to capture the imagination of its potential visitors by combining sport, music and the destination to add the diversity to the tourism product, the country so richly deserves.

REGGAE MARATHON

Plans are afoot for the 2010 renewal, 10th anniversary, after the very successful running on December 5. Kudos go out to Alfred Francis and his team.

Coming attraction: The strong man may be coming to Jamaica sooner than you think.

Sport Tourism through Schools

2009-10-29T09:25:00.001-06:00

Jamaica’s Sport Tourism product could get a boost in 2010, when the world’s largest organisers of sport tours, Edwin Doran Sports Travel (EDST), take its first tour here. Members of the team recently visited Jamaica to look at the opportunities and there is optimism that the deal will be sealed soon.

One of the advantages of that kind of relationship is, Jamaica’s school sport system is a cultural phenomenon and at anytime a competitive team in any sport can be found to participate in a series of tournaments. That should boost the efforts of Physical Education teachers in the school system to better prepare their students in imparting the knowledge and information geared at competing at this level.

The tours are generally arranged around the Easter period and include cricket, football, netball, hockey, rugby and lacrosse. The tour has been to the Caribbean region, but has been in the Eastern Caribbean, but shows intention of heading into different areas of the region...with Jamaica in mind.

Apart from the school tours, there are additional opportunities for creation of High Performance Centres in the respective sporting disciplines which aim to provide intense training and preparation for top-level competition even beyond the school years.

Jamaica should welcome this opportunity and the Jamaica Tourist Board’s involvement so far suggests that Sport Tourism is being seriously considered as a way to add diversity to the current tourism product.

The head masters of schools along with representatives of EDST toured the island and looked at locations where the sports could be accommodated. They also met with representatives of the sporting organisations who could assist in the planning and coordination of these tours and tournaments. Netball, cricket, track and field were well represented, well certainly at the meeting in Kingston. It will be a welcome opportunity for school sports in Jamaica and in the end sport tourism.
Teams Conference in New Orleans
Jamaica had representation at the recently concluded Teams Conference in New Orleans where the top sports people gathered. They came from marketing companies, hotel chains, teams and at least 20 sporting franchises across the US. Marsha Lawrence, Brand Warriors, Technology Innovation Centre, was the sole Jamaican company represented at the event. Lawrence in an interview said she has “renewed respect for Sports Marketers and great enthusiasm for all the possibilities that exist for Jamaica.”
Lawrence also spoke with an ESPN senior executive who suggested that Jamaica could be a destination for a version of the renowned Strong Man competition. That would be something new and different.
A famous quote which emerged from the Teams Conference is by Publisher of Sports Travel Magazine, Timothy Schneider... “by concentrating our attention in the places where difficulty can be replaced by opportunity, the sport-event industry has the chance to help lead the recovery of the travel industry and play an even bigger role as an economic- development engine for communities large and small.”
News: Stop in Montego Bay for the Rose Hall Triathlon on Saturday, October 31. Head over to Negril for the Reggae Marathon on Saturday, December 5.

Boosting Opportunities for Sport Tourism

2009-10-15T21:07:00.000-06:00

Networking is an important tool to be used in any profession to enhance the chances of greater linkages. That too is true of the sport industry. So while Jamaica has the athletes, venues and the officials to coordinate major sporting events; it is also important to attend major shows across the world to network for greater opportunities.
One such opportunity will be happening in New Orleans this week (October 13 to 17) where the world’s largest gathering of sport event organisers will be. The Teams 2009 Conference and Expo is an event which attracts 38 top sponsorship organisations – hotel chains, convention centres, and key suppliers to the sport industry.
The world has continued to marvel at the economic value of an organised sport industry and a conference of this nature presents a great opportunity for developing countries like Jamaica to be with the movers and shakers in this industry.
The format of the five day event will include a conference programme with leading experts who share the latest inside information. There is a massive trade show with more than 300 sports-event suppliers and destinations that provides new contacts and ideas. There are also personal appointment sessions that allows quality time with event organizers and industry leaders and finally the networking sessions and social functions that help build valuable relationships for today and tomorrow.
Brand Warriors, of the Technology Innovation Centre, University of Technology will be in attendance for Jamaica and will bring back valuable experience to the country which should be managed for effectiveness.
There are a number of conferences to come on stream in 2010 and Jamaica as Sport Tourism destination; also as a place where there are facilities for further training in Sport and Physical Education should capitalise on some of these opportunities as the country aims to earn from the billion dollar industry.
There is the 2010 Sports Industry Networking and Career Conference scheduled for March in Washington. In Vienna in July, there is a Sport Engineering Association Conference where the focus is on technology and innovation for sport and science. There are a number of opportunities and if Jamaica wants to be successful in other aspects of the industry, it has to reach out of the box, if even for networking opportunities initially.

Major Events
In the tourist capital, Montego Bay on October 31, the second running of the WATA Rose Hall Triathlon will be on, which will feature some of the world’s top triathletes. The event, only in its second year, has managed to attract Olympic quality athletes among a list of other keen competitors. An added attraction is the triathlon for children, scheduled for November 1 on the same course. For more go to http://www.rosehalltriathlon.com/
Later this year the Reggae Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 in Negril, then later that evening, a 9.58 SuperParty is on for the Richmond Estate, St. Ann to be hosted by Usain Bolt.
The plan for the restructuring of the Trelawny Sport Complex is welcome as the location is ideal for hosting major sporting and entertainment events.

Sport and the Media

2009-08-06T07:26:00.000-06:00

Since sport is such an important aspect of the Jamaican psyche, the way media carries stories form a fundamental expression by the people of Jamaica internally (whether home/abroad); and is implicit on how we are viewed by the rest of the world.

The efforts of Jamaica’s sportsmen and women, have for a long time, been the pinnacle of the success stories, not without the usual expected controversies. What is key is the value the media has placed in always reporting on sporting events which are hosted in Jamaica or where there are Jamaicans participating.

In 1948, Jamaica earned one gold and two silver medals and was ranked 20th in the medal standings. The late Herb McKenley and Arthur Wint were the only two medallists. That news spread around the world like wild fire at the time. However, another news item emerged with the mishap in the 4 X 400 metres where Jamaica did not complete the event. Four years later, the news was, Jamaica earns two gold and three silver and ranked 13th in the medal standings. One of the gold medals was in a record time and in an event where Jamaica failed to finish in the London Games in 1948.

The record in the Olympics has been spectacular and in the media’s eyes, Jamaica has achieved a lot. This is what is reported.

However, the media is also the first to report the controversies, scandals and any other item of news they may deem important enough to catch the eyes of the public. What then is Jamaica’s role in shaping, determining or even guiding what media reports?

In achieving independence since 1962, lots of things changed for Jamaica. The economy grew, people became more literate, technology became available, media also grew, so it shaped the way people consumed information and Jamaicans at home and abroad has far more ways and means to bring the information to them.

The role then of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and its affiliate federations must now put a number of programmes in place for its athletes and administrators to understand the implications of good and ‘bad’ press. Public Education programmes must be the order of the day complimented by workshops and seminars. Literature has to be made available to all concerned to ensure that there is a consistent delivery of standard information, making it plain that the measurement is not different based on where you are from, but the same no matter what.

Athletes have to be prepared to cope with press who will bombard them with questions they may not have thought about, but be made to understand that being in the public requires specific work in handling media.

Some of the media presence Jamaica gets across the world could not be paid for in any media campaign. So while we gain on one side, we should always aim to be proactive about maintaining a positive image. When negative stories emerge, then we should be keen on managing the damage which may be done.

Come August 15 to 23, all track and field fans, existing and new, will have their eyes focused on Jamaica. I ask that we be prepared.

Call for Ministry of Education to designate Active Schools

2009-07-20T20:57:00.000-06:00

As a measure to support the call for a more strategic National Policy on Physical Education and Sport, I am calling on the Ministry of Education to designate Active Schools in the six regions as a way to monitor the role of Physical Education in schools.

For the next three to five years, starting September 2009, 12 schools should be monitored to ensure that the children who are to be exposed would be far more aware of the role of PE as a tool for physical, mental and social development.

Active Schools are defined as schools that provide students with sufficient opportunities to get active to the extent that it makes a positive contribution to their health.

The aim of Active Schools is to give children the tools, motivation and opportunities to be more active throughout school years into adulthood.

The suggestion therefore is to select two schools in each of the six regions at the Primary & Junior High and Secondary levels to be subject to the following:

- schools should have male and female PE teachers
- schools should have proper facilities to offer PE
- have out of school hours learning programme for adults in surrounding communities
- develop a wider network at the regional and national levels (health, education, transportation sectors)

Key outcomes will focus on:

- increased participation from boys and girls
- increased participation from the community
- increased participation from people with learning disabilities

The role of PE in schools has been understated and the recommendations above are just a way of ensuring that the subject is taken much more seriously than it is now.

World's fastest man has website - usainbolt.com

2009-07-18T07:36:00.000-06:00

Usain Bolt has added a new and exciting dimension to his career, this time it is his website. Log on to www.usainbolt.com

The website features highlights of his historic performances at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China where Bolt returned with three world records in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4 X 100 metres relay team.

In a message from Bolt, he says “this is just another exciting way to communicate to my fans, all around the world. Track and field is a very exciting sport that I love dearly and I am proud to be able to share my experiences with you.”

The website also highlights other aspects of Bolt’s life in track and field, showcasing some of his exploits since his rise to international stardom in 2002 at the junior level; while focusing some attention of his professional life with a peek into his community activities and general lifestyle.

With just under a month to before the World Track and Field Championship in Berlin, Germany, Bolt is hoping to be able to keep in touch with his many supporters across the world.

You may also follow Usain Bolt on www.twitter.com/usainbolt

The website is expected to showcase a number of exciting interactive features including a fan club and shop. Stay tuned!

ST. GEORGE’S, KC BATTLE FOR ROPER CUP

2009-07-04T12:31:00.000-06:00

Defending champions St. George’s College will meet Kingston College in the 45th staging of the Roper Cup, the longest-running football battle between two high schools on August 29. The Roper Cup football festival will see five matches played among age group footballers from both schools at the National Stadium East field.
The action is set to begin at 9 a.m., with the Under 14 teams of both schools meeting, followed by the 10:30 match involving the Under 16 teams.

The aggregate scores from both matches will determine the overall winner of the George Thompson Trophy, played in honour of the late former KC and Jamaica footballer and coach.

Colombian-born Thompson is KC’s most successful coach and was the first local coach to lead a Jamaica team to victory over Mexico in an Olympic qualifier at the National Stadium in 1972.
Jamaica won 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Leonard “Chicken” Mason.

The Under 35 teams of both schools will then meet at noon for the first leg of the Roper Cup decider, which will be split by the match-up for the Pancho Rankine Cup, to be decided by the players aged 35 and over at 2 o’clock.

The mouth-watering final match between last year’s Manning Cup and Olivier Shield winners St. George’s and the Manning Cup quarter-finalists KC in the showdown of present boys at 4 o’clock will close out the day’s activities.
St George’s won the Roper Cup 3-2 on aggregate in last year’s renewal, following a 2-1 win by the present boys and a 1-1 draw in the Under 35 match.

New Model for Sport Tourism

2009-06-25T05:11:00.000-06:00

From the athletes who travel to participate in sporting activities to the fans who travel to observe, that is the real definition of a sport tourist.

And where will they be this summer? As I mentioned in my last contribution, 'Diary of a sport tourist', there are so many sporting events to observe this summer, but what are the other attractions which could really force me to make a decision to go to any destination apart from sport? What really does sweeten the pie?

Take Jamaica, for instance. Up to September, there are a number of events which could be of interest in the areas of football (soccer), basketball, cricket, netball, volleyball, polo, horse racing, golf, just to name a few. But what are the other factors why I would come to Jamaica to watch these events?

Exponential growth

What we should first acknowledge is that the ability to understand the model of sport has changed and it is not just the feel-good factor of when a team of choice wins or one of our athletes has done well. It is a situation where there is a significant amount of money which can be had from the associations with media, merchandisers and tour operators. The sport tourism industry has grown exponentially and has attracted, since 2007, a sport tourism search engine www.sportsevents365.com, which was set up in 2007.

At the click of a mouse

What this website/operation aims to achieve is to be the largest database for sports events in the world. In taking a tour of the website, I was able to look at prices for tickets, seating locations, directions to venues, hotels and flights. These are accompanied with a map which outlines other attractions close by, including restaurants, nightclubs, etc.

Imagine a golf tournament is at Cinnamon Hill, which would be the 'star' location, then the map would entail the hotels, restaurants and other attractions close by. Or if there is a track and field meet in Kingston, the visitors should be able to purchase tickets online and see the layout so they know where they want to sit and then decide on all the other activities thereafter. We must, however, bear in mind that the sporting event is the main attraction, but it does equally well to have great additional activities to engage after the event is all over.

I hope Jamaica can register its major sporting events on that website so we can pick up a few additional visitors to our shores for the upcoming fall 2009 to spring 2010 season.

Some economies have reported that as much as 20 per cent of its visitors come to participate in sports and an additional 50 per cent comes to observe (watch). So, let us get on the new model for sport tourism and capitalise on the media-corporations-merchandising-markets model. As we prepare for Berlin 2009 and London 2012, let us bear those things in mind.

Events to look forward to in Jamaica this summer

Reggae Sumfest - July 19-25

Polo, July 25-August 1

International Marlin - September 26-30

Wata Rose Hall Triathlon and Wellness Festival - October 31.

I say we have space for a few more events.

Diary of a Sport Tourist

2009-06-10T19:52:00.001-06:00

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.

Make Trelawny Jamaica’s first Sporting Parish

2009-05-26T13:36:00.001-06:00

As Jamaica bids for continued sport supremacy in the world, on and off the field, there are always more things to look at to create the competitive edge in a more organised way. Within the next three to five years the country will participate in a number of regional and international competitions which are aimed to reposition the country’s top-rated position in the sporting arena.

International competitions will come in football, cricket, track and field, netball, basketball and volleyball and the national athletes will have numerous opportunities to make Jamaica even prouder. There are two world championships and one summer Olympic Games up to 2012.

But while we continue to perform well externally, we need to capitalize on the income the country can and should be earning as a sport tourism destination. Even in this recession, consumers are going after products/services to suit their sophisticated taste buds…Jamaica, once you go you know.

Designate Trelawny Jamaica’s Sporting Parish

For economic gains we could establish a direct link with the success of the country’s sport industry with the parish. Here are some ideas

- Establish a museum/hall of fame/walk of fame with information of those from the parish
- Form a partnership with a major international firm to sponsor the facility. Start with a three to five year plan to host one major event a year
- Re-structure the Mutli Purpose facility to meet the growing demands of the sport and entertainment industries
- Get the schools involved to research the history of the parish
- Twin the parish with a town in either the UK, USA or Canada
- Re-brand the parish

Other cities have done this successfully in Canada, Malta and the UK. Why not Jamaica?

What makes Trelawny special?

A good percentage of our sporting stars come from Trelawny. The parish also has a sporting facility, Trelawny Multi Purpose Stadium, which has not even begun to be used to its full potential. The capacity of that facility has shown that it is able to host international competitions to bring about big crowds. With some structural adjustments the facility could do much more.

Here are just some of the famous sons and daughters of that parish: Usain Bolt, Veronica Campbell Brown, George Kerr, Astia Walker, Michael Green, Debbie Ann Parris, Michael Frater, Marvin Anderson – track and field; Gerald ‘Hero’ Scott – football are just some of the people who have recorded success at the highest level.

There is accommodation – Braco, Starfish, FDR Pebbles; there are attractions – Outameni, Glistening Waters, Cockpit Country , just to name a few. There is also great potential for a cruise ship pier; and this parish is between St. James and St. Ann. Now if those reasons aren’t good enough, then.

A total of nine months after the success the country had in Beijing, I think this is a great way to consolidate our efforts in a serious way. Make way for the rest of the Trelawny stars to emerge. Let’s get to work.

Trelawny Multi Purpose Complex

2009-05-21T07:42:00.002-06:00

Coming up:

I weigh in on the use of the Trelawny Multi Purpose Complex and more importantly on the parish of Trelawny.
What should be done for the parish to maximise on the earning potential of the parish?

Please send your comments...

Use technology to promote sport

2009-05-08T05:32:00.002-06:00

Jamaica's innovativeness will come into question over the next three to five years as we battle harsh economic times to continue to promote the island as a sport tourism destination.

So it is well known that we have the product, athlete and some reasonably cared facilities. We need to package them for two reasons:

1. To attract visitors to the island for the period of the events.

2. To have wide viewership around the region and the world.

I, therefore, call on the local producers, members of the film production community to merge their resources to create made-for-television events to distribute to the world community. Use the Internet as a way to distribute the product in a way that can also attract earnings.

The Internet has become a most valuable tool for distribution of content, why not sports?

Stream our events and ask consumers to pay. We have some events which have become prime content and our diaspora community which is hungry to view these events will pay and even advertise to provide additional income.

So, for 2010, let's look at Gibson Relays, Manning and daCosta Cup finals, senior netball finals, Boys and Girls' Championships are just some of the events we could stream. The alumni groups across the US and UK, I am sure, would be interested in these products. They must be marketed and promoted in an effective way to yield the best results.

opportunities

There are opportunities at international trade fairs which the island can capitalise on by attending. A senior film official says, "While it is important to attend these events, we should look for agents who handle distribution of sports products in the regions being targeted as primary markets. The official noted that agents have specific catalogues they promote and distribute and the best way is to court those agents."

There are sport networks which may be open to negotiation to air some of these programmes, so we should seek that opportunity too. While we seek to promote in international markets, there is room for more local consumption. It is also a way of preserving our history so the next generation is up to speed.

Feedback: cubeckford@gmail.com

Should Jamaica go after major sport events?

Jamaica was the featured country of the past Olympics and our athletes excelled beyond thought and expectations and there was no advertisement from the JTB saying, "Come to Jamaica ..." If it were not for Puma sponsoring Usain Bolt, Jamaica would have had no media presence.

Your ideas are excellent and I hope 'the powers that be' hear you and start implementing some internal changes in Jamaica to accommodate such a bold idea.

Sam from California

It has always been said that during the winter months the people who reside in the cold temperature want somewhere to train. Has anyone in Jamaica ever really explored the possibility of earning from anything like that?

I think your idea is excellent and just hope some of the people who run our sports programmes will get with the programme.

Should Jamaica go after Major Sporting Events?

2009-04-15T16:45:00.000-06:00

As the world is being battered by the current economic recession, governments are seeking new and innovative ways to earn well-needed funds and to also provide jobs.

What then could help to boost Jamaica's economy? I say we go after two major sporting events over the next three to five years. These major events could attract

Foreign-exchange income for the country

International media attention

Temporary jobs for residents

Opportunities for other residents to volunteer.

Over the next five years, World Track and Field championship is in Berlin (August 2009), World Cup Football, South Africa (July 2010) and Summer Olympic Games, London, (2012) are just some of the major events to take place; but there will be need for preparation tournaments and championships prior to these events.

I see where the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) is about to host a USA and Jamaica bonanza; that would grab some attention, generating some well-needed funds. Also with Jamaica out of World Cup football, could we create a football festival where top teams (countries or clubs) can participate?

Also, could the cricket body look at its schedule over the next three years and see where a three/four nation five-day tournament could fit in.

Several news stories recently have shown where countries and states are moving towards sport tourism as an option, with the latest being Hawaii and also Thailand. One of the common reasons was "people need to feel good".

Last month, the Hawaii Tourism Authority voted to allow the NFL's Pro Bowl game to return to Hawaii in 2011 and 2012. The game has been held the week after the Super Bowl at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu since 1980, and has sold out every time.

JTB should see sport as a priority

Can the Jamaica Tourist Board work closer with the sporting federations to create our own sporting festival and throw their weight behind this venture? In light of the recent budget allocations to the industry, I am sure there are creative ways we can spread the money around effectively.

Malta recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Sheffield United and is using that collaboration to promote Malta as a sporting destination. Malta's training facilities, restaurants and other entertainment sites benefit over a two week period along with the media exposure. Malta's athletes also benefit from the technical courses run during this period; while volunteers are used to offer support services.

There are five or more internationally accepted sporting facilities across the island and so Jamaica should look to form relationships which will see countries, clubs and university/college teams come for a week or two to use the facilities, discover Jamaica and compete against our teams.

Let us look at a national football league, major league baseball, UK football club and any university in the US or Canada for starter and host one every half a year. That could generate the interest!

Note: The Jamaican people were the MVP for CHAMPS, April 1 to 4. Well done!

Sport tourism and research

2009-04-02T10:09:00.000-06:00

Sport-based travel has been a phenomenon for many decades but it has not been on the cards of researchers until recently. It is now a great time to build on the literature available to ensure that economies benefit from the opportunities which are available.

There are a number of things to consider in doing research as we identify the trends in the sport tourism market. First, is the research has to identify sport as an attraction and then develop a series of questions which can be used to highlight the relationship between the sport and tourism and how they can be explored.

Here are some generic questions:

What time of year do these tourists travel?

What are the foods they are likely to consume?

What are the attractions they are likely to visit?

What is the length of stay?

What are the modes of transportation?

Jamaica's situation is peculiar but interesting. Why? The physical layout of the facilities, attractions, beaches, accommodation is perfect, but there is need to package this information attractively enough to woo these new categories of travellers.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) can now take this as a project for the next three to seven years and ensure that a reasonable percentage of the US$4.5-trillion sport tourism industry comes to the Caribbean and more specifically, Jamaica.

UWI's creation in the Caribbean was formed on one basis - that unity and integration are possible. So while some of the more academically-charged efforts are being pursued. The sport tourism phenomenon has to be given time and space. In addition, the curriculum must be adjusted to include courses which will complement the research to be undertaken.

Dr Carolyn Hayle has been instrumental in some initial discussions, and her role on the board of directors for the Jamaica Tourist Board is one where she can make the difference we so desperately need. The collaboration necessary must see UWI teaming with colleges and universities abroad which can offer support. There is credibility in partnership. Research has to drive our new(er) way of thinking and sport tourism is a critical component of the bigger tourism sector, aimed at making major contributions to the economies of developing countries.

Making Jamaica the Next Best Travel Destination

So since there is a recession and we are looking for great ideas, let's refocus some of our energies in who we reach out to. Take China, for example, Jamaica has been an approved destination since 2005. How are we going to get them to come to Jamaica in the numbers which can fill up the coffers? What about the Germans? They have a settlement on the south coast, rebrand it and package it in a way to make it attractive. Let's be our brother's keeper and clean up the crime situation. When all is said and done, no one will come if there is a perception of a crime-ridden society.

Note: Witness the greatest high school show on earth, Kingston, Jamaica, April 1 to 4 ... Boys' and Girls' Championships. It's going to be a cracker!

Sport to put Jamaican tourism in sprint mode

2009-03-20T05:06:00.000-06:00

The stage was set at the recently concluded 33rd running of the Gibson Relays in Kingston. 14 records were broken and Jamaica has once again sent a message that there are more world beaters to come from this little rock.
The discussion is continuing about the country’s ability to churn out athletes year after year who continue to stun the world with credible and excellent performances and this year 2009 will be no different. The good thing about this is the pool is widening so there are a lot more athletes to choose from. Come June 2009 when the National Championships is over to choose the athletes to compete in the World Athletic Championships in Berlin, Jamaica should have a strong delegation.
The Diaspora should see themselves as part of this preparation by coming to Jamaica to witness the spectacular performances at a number of events this year:
1. Boys and Girls Championships – April 1 – 4
2. Jamaica Invitational – May 2
3. World Championship Volleyball Qualifier – May
4. National Track and Field Championships – June
There are a number of good options for sport; but we can collaborate with the theatre and music communities to see what plays and music shows will be on at that time and prepare a package for locals and visitors alike.
Studies have shown that people who generally love sports are the same ones who are likely to enjoy a good entertainment package, so I am urging organizers of these events to look to engaging visitors to come to REDISCOVER Jamaica around some of these dates. Reasonable air fares are now being advertised during these periods, so what more can we ask for.
I know there may be a bias towards the track and field events, but there are a number of activities we can think about which can be exciting enough to draw attention and certainly the visitors. Out west the Reggae Sumfest is on the calendar for July. So the attractions should benefit from these events. All I ask is that the proper packaging be done, so no area of the tourism gets left out.
The physical layout of the attractions, events and the warmth and hospitality of the Jamaican people are the most valuable assets; so I am urging us to take the advantage. Remember, in times of crisis, there is always a place for creativity and innovation (new ideas) which can emerge as a sustainable programme in years to come.

West Indies vs. England
I know the English men came to the Caribbean expecting little or no resistance from the West Indies; but what a wake up call they got. Cricket has once again proven to be a good sport tourism product and the Caribbean was the better off for it. So now that the tests are over, it is now on to the One Day Internationals and 20-20 matches.

Unofficial figures are showing that with each test the visitor number climbed, with Jamaica at the bottom of the table. If we do not fix the crime situation we are still going to be lagging behind our neighbours. We obviously have the best facilities and package to offer. Fix it!

Sport Tourism and Spring Break

2009-03-04T13:53:00.001-06:00

Sports tourism and spring break

By now most destinations would have had their spring break plans in place and are hoping for higher numbers in visitor arrivals for this part of the winter tourist season.

Once Ash Wednesday passes, we know spring break is near. Entertainment is vital to this period, but I daresay we should, and must, include sport this time around to attract a different crowd to add to the already stressed college students who just want to have a great time on a tropical isle.

traditional sporting competitions

The real deal is the traditional sporting competitions may not work for spring breakers, but I am sure they will climb a rock for a margarita, or they would row a canoe across the ocean for a weekend for two, maybe even swim a channel or ride a five-mile distance. One thing is sure: They would apply physical skills while having fun and capturing a major prize, which has to be exciting.

What I also know is that these activities are done at individual properties, but I am advocating for these skill competitions to be done under the Jamaica Tourist Board banner and marketed as destination activity.

This would help to alleviate the stigma attached to spring break, which now seems to be boobs and booze. In addition to attracting just the MTV, BET-type stations, ESPN could be an outlet for the more sport oriented type of activity.

How about looking at a Brand Jamaica Strongest Man competition 'live' from Montego Bay, Jamaica? Now wouldn't that be something?

Another great idea would be to invite a professional team from the US or UK here for training for spring break. Major League baseball starts in the US on April 6 this year, so for next year, let's look at one of those teams which are located in one of the colder cities and have them here for a spring break practice session for a few days.

Let's take the Chicago White Sox, for example, a divisional champion of 2008. There are direct flights from Chicago; it gets very cold there and it is Obama's city. Just imagine the media attention the trip would make.

special invitations

We could work on the invitation immediately. Jamaica also has great ties with that city, so it may not be too difficult to get that arrangement going.

Some major cities across the US have not marketed their destination as a spring break attraction. Broward County in Florida, for example has suggested that "dropping spring break since 1986 has seen an increase from half a million to 10.8 million in 2008, over 20 years."

Jamaica, therefore, has to drive the demand for its new clientele by creating the products which are in demand.

Note: A campaign to plan for 2010 'Discover Jamaica for Spring Break 2010': Use our schools as an exercise in knowing our own country and then invite the world to do same.

Develop local market through sports

2009-02-19T19:09:00.000-06:00

The local sporting industry can grow and develop into a bigger business if there are enough events on the calendar. This is possible once the patrons are willing to purchase tickets, products and services associated with the particular event.

Jamaica has a significant number of sporting events from as early as the first week in January right through to the end of the year to satisfy the demands of a wide variety of sporting patrons. Organisers and promoters of these events must however ensure that patrons have a safe and secure environment to enjoy their respective events.

The venues for these events must therefore be in ‘safe’ locations. Facilities should have secure gate/doors to encourage patrons to pay; therefore tickets should be available. If patrons see a value to the event, they will pay, eventually. The venues should also have sufficient parking facilities, clean toilet facilities and other relevant amenities.

Opportunities for small businesses

Vendors in various communities across the island also have an opportunity to earn from plying their ware. Apart from the regular food products which are popular and needed, patrons should have an opportunity to find a nice piece of Jamaican art or craft or even a fine piece of fabric. T-shirts are also a good idea.

While I am on the subject of food products, can we encourage the patrons to dump the plastic containers in the same place? I know there is a plan afoot to have the JAAA sign a deal with a local recycling company to claim the plastics we so often discard incorrectly. I wish we could have the blue drums all around the island soon.

Community empowerment has to be a focus as we try to create viable opportunities for micro and small businesses to grow. What better way we can do it than through sports? This can have a positive spill over to each community where jobs and even a chance for upgrade of service offerings take place.
For example, in the upcoming weeks, as the track meets, football games and some community cricket matches, move around the island and obviously draw huge crowds, let’s support the communities.

I wonder how Kingston did in the recent first test of the West Indies versus England match. We hope to hear the results soon. These are important in planning for future events.

Formula

Communities must be prepared to offer top class service to people. The agencies with responsibility for community development should enhance the current model to empower the people to offer the service demanded and required.

What could happen from this is community can then use their own resources to organise these events, build on their own skills and develop on the capacity to do bigger and better things. What a recognition the community would then receive?

Note: Gibson Relays should provide a great preview for what is to come for the rest of the year for track and field, Saturday, February 28.

Gateway to wider initiatives

2009-01-31T08:15:00.001-06:00

Sport tourists are passionate! Sport tourists are high spending! Sport tourists are always open to new experiences! What can Jamaica do to attract more of these types of visitors? In this challenging economic climate, a destination must have diverse offerings to attract and keep tourists coming back over and over again.

The US$4.5 trillion industry is expected to see at least 10 per cent growth by 2011, according to Sport Business International. Cities around the world are becoming increasingly dependent of the visiting tri-athlete, golfer, cricketer, track athlete and footballer and Jamaica can benefit from these sports.

The average golfer is passionate, high spending and will more than likely try a new experience, so attractions become very important. So the Mystic Mountains, Chukka Blue and White River (tubing) are key attractions to maintain.

Passion

Take a look at the typical football fan, which travels to support his/her team of choice. Fully prepared with clothing to wear to the games, but will also spend to buy any kind of souvenir items available. There are also some items which a fan is not able to travel with and so those items, if available, are purchased at the venue for the games. These are flags or anything with sticks. Locals have a real opportunity to earn. The passionate sport tourist may also like great music/entertainment, so plays, musical shows and night clubs are a great addition to a package.

High Spending

Golfers are deemed to be some of the highest spending tourists in the world, and so the tastes are generally in the higher end. So great entertainment – Jazz shows, expensive wines, great cuisine. They will spend. Development of packages to suit the tastes must be done. The element of research should not be avoided and companies should invest.

The Business of Sport Tourism Report by Ross Biddiscombe is available for €690/476 pounds/US$815. This publication gives an extensive range of intelligence report in the sport tourism industry. It also identifies events and destinations which are key contributors to the growth and development of this sector.

The events which were used as case studies include, Athens Olympic Games 2004, Volvo Ocean Race, World Cup Cricket 2003 (South Africa); and the New York Marathon, to name a few; while some of the more popular destinations for sport tourism include Australia, Canada, Northern Ireland and South Africa.

In doing the research for this column, it was interesting to note than the major buyers for this report are private sector organisations. Financial institutions were also heavy on the list. So while we expect Government to develop policy, private sector activity must drive the economy.

I therefore call for an Advisory Team to work with the Ministry of Tourism, specifically on Sport Tourism. The team should consist of a planner, researcher, marketer, communicator, manager and maybe two other persons who are sport-business minded. Not more than seven is needed. A ten year plan can be drafted and must be done in conjunction with the ministries and agencies which design and implement activities worthy on capitalizing on the trillion dollar sport tourism industry.

Note: I know the Rose Hall team is already on the phone for the 2009 version of the Rose Hall WATA triathlon. What an event that should turn out to be? Triathletes, on average take up to five members of their families…so do the math!

Sport Tourism Outlook 2009

2009-01-11T08:42:00.000-06:00

While the pundits are painting a dim outlook for travel and leisure, they are not painting an overall dim picture for 2009. One of the bright sparks about the tourism pie is Sport Tourism, which the same experts are predicting, will remain consistent as in former years.

The expected growth for that sector remains at 10 per cent per annum according to KPMG at least for the next seven years.

The question is, Can Jamaica aggressively promote the island as a sport tourism destination? Ireland plans to spend €86 million on what is called “national, lifestyle and general interest” areas, hoping to attract a higher number of sport tourists to its shores.

What then is Jamaica’s plan? How that can piece of the pie be had in these harsh economic times? I guess it calls from some creativity and innovation, with the budget to match.

The country had a few products which helped in promoting the island as a sport tourist destination and were satisfactory in 2008. The Jakes and Rose Hall triathlons, the Reggae Marathon were just some of the few events on the calendar. There was interest in the National Track and Field Championships with Usain Bolt’s entrée into the 100 metres fray; but only the hard core came to watch. We may have attracted a few more television viewers.

Focus on Trelawny Multi Purpose Complex (TMPC)

One attraction owner said “We need to market the TMPC as an ideal location for spring training for American baseball and football teams. Its proximity to hotels and good beaches should make it an easy sell to the major baseball and football teams in North America. The economic benefits/spin-offs would be immediate - including the attendant press coverage for the country.”

Also, we need to develop more of the sport which will draw participants and TV coverage. Oh how I pray for the day when top-class golf competitions will return to this country. How much harder are we going to have to work to convince a major sponsor that Jamaica is the place for golf? The Tryall Golf Club needs to get back to its glory days.

The Jamaica Tourist Board could do more in the use of the slogan “Once you go, you know” for sports, leisure, music, food, etc. Do an ad campaign to include our athletes for a superstar event. You may recall I recommended this sometime before.

So I am voting for more non-traditional events

• Cross country cycling (will force the National Works Agency to fix the roads)
• Mountain climbing
• Any form of extreme sport (will attract the college crowd)
• Superstar obstacle races
• An additional triathlon, in the spring (for the athletes on spring break, in time for 2010)

POST BEIJING

Jamaica experienced the most successful year at the Summer Olympic Games, which was held in Beijing this past summer. The 11-medals haul, with six gold medals was a superb feat by any standard. The world’s eyes have been on us and the conversations will continue for a long time.

Along with the individual athletes, Jamaica has also been able to maintain prime spots in the international media and now the expectations, like that of Barack Obama are HIGH.

What will Berlin bring for Bolt and company? That too is something to look forward to. The opportunities are endless; the creative skills exist. And the financial support can be found.

The prospects are good for Jamaica for 2009 and beyond.

Year in Review 2008, Preview of 2009

2008-12-31T15:19:00.005-06:00

Most of you would have read all my contributions regarding the need for Jamaica to capitalise more on Sport Tourism. As we close 2008 and look forward to 2009, let us hope for a brighter tomorrow

Highlights of 2008

Summer Olympic Games in Beijing

Usain Bolt's 9:69 seconds in the 100 metres, 19:30 seconds in the 200 metres
Jamaica's women sprinters in the 100 metres all on the podium

Michael Phelps in the pool, eight medals

American Football: New York Giants taking the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots. Manning was stunning!

NBA: Boston Celtics win in the NBA. Pierce was fierce!

Look out for the SuperBowl

NFL: Indianoplis Colts, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins (winner could come from here)

NBA: Boston looks vulnerable, but could repeat. Lakers are looking FOINE!

Track and field: Bolt, Asafa Powell, Tyson Gay
Shelly Ann Fraser, Veronica Campbell, Melaine Walker will sizzle in Berlin

Sport fan prepare thyself for an exciting ride in 2009

More time!

DO A FAM TOUR

2008-12-29T07:31:00.000-06:00

So the last two times we spoke, I recommended we target college students and to have a joint marketing effort for Sport Tourism and Entertainment. The response to those two suggestions has been good.

Another recommendation I would like to put on the table is a familiarization (FAM) tour of well known and targeted journalists/media entities who would find this concept of “Jamaica as the Sport Tourism Capital of the World” exciting and interesting enough to take a trip.

Well as we approach probably one of the most exciting sporting calendars anywhere this side of the world, with the track and field, netball, football, basketball and volleyball events scheduled to take place in 2009; let’s make a special effort to promote this destination.

Track and field has been given the edge, simply because the World Championship is on this year in Germany and the Jamaican athletes have grabbed the attention of the world and there are other athletes who are out to get them. Not just there though, there are other athletes in Jamaica who will be jostling for positions on various teams.

So the Gibson Relays, the high school spectacle – Boys and Girls Championships will maybe attract one of the biggest crowds in 2009. Fans are hungry for good sporting competition. And with the Reggae Boys out of the World Cup, the other sports will fill the gap. These sporting disciplines are traditional and so it is the packaging of the participants which will have to marketed properly.

NON TRADITIONAL SPORT

On the non-traditional side; how about a mountain climbing competition on the Blue Mountain Peak? I know it is just over a mile up, but this is Jamaica. While there they can see where the best coffee comes from, possibility where some of the best tasting water comes from and lots of other fascinating history lessons to be learnt. Promote it for during the time of Misty Bliss. There is also a cycling trail which can be accessed to attract another type of participants.

How about a walk race from Ocho Rios to Runaway Bay? I am just thinking of the many possibilities we have and in these challenging times, creativity and innovation must take precedence.

MEDIA

Invite targeted media here and show them the lay of the land. This has to be directed at the Sport/Business journalists. Go outside the United States and look seriously at Germany for example. Following the performance of Jamaica at the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, the world is expecting great performances and competition. Bring them here to excite them from early.

There are nine strong newspapers in Germany which cover sport. Here is a quote from a website “After the fall of the Berlin Wall, in 1990, Germany became one of the greatest nation sport ever had, and sport press couldn't be different!”

They take sport seriously. Let us capitalize.

Note: The feedback has been great from you all this great keep the emails and phone calls coming. I appreciate them.
As we are in the Yuletide season, let us care for those among us who are less fortunate.

Joint Marketing for Sport Tourism and Entertainment

2008-12-10T09:28:00.003-06:00

Ever since the days of Reggae Sunsplash and in recent times Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica has had a tremendous impact on the entertainment market both at home and abroad. Equally, sporting events hosted in Jamaica has had equal impact, from the Norman Manley Games to the May Invitational. So what this means, is, there is great importance on cultural and sporting events.

In capitalizing on the synergy which exists, the country has to be committed to ensuring that the systems are in place for joint marketing to take place. In these trying economic times, creativity in promotion is way more necessary.

There first has to be political commitment. At the planning level, however, the best event planners must be consulted. Also all the stakeholders have to be on board for this to be successful; from small to large properties. When the crowds come, we ought to have the capacity to accommodate them. Plan these events for when tourist arrival is at the peak periods, so there is guaranteed support from the overseas market.

Synergy

Studies have shown that the people who like entertainment, generally like sport and vice versa. As promoters in this country we should first of all agree that sport = entertainment. So whether it is a sport event or a concert, we must give the consumers value for their money. It would even be more worthwhile when they are combined in the same package.

In 1999, the Germans reported a total of 58 million outbound holiday trips. Of that total they reported that 32 million or 55 per cent involved a sport oriented trip. The report also stated that 55 per cent of that total were men, ages 35 – 44 years of age, who spent from four to seven nights spending anywhere between 250 – 499 Euros each.

The same report highlighted that also in 1999, 52 per cent of the 13 million outbound holiday trips from the Netherlands involved a sport oriented trip with the same spend, but the most dominant age group was men aged 25 – 34 years of age. While France had a 23 per cent of its travelers attending sport related trips, they spent up to 500 – 749 Euros each.

How have we capitalized on those three markets in marketing Jamaica as a sport tourism destination? It was suggested at a sport tourism conference some years ago that sport makes a society feel like themselves (again), especially in a time of stress.

Talent abound

The talent in both sport and entertainment is plenty in Jamaica and so we have the basic ingredients. I know there are some calendar events which may not be easy to adjust, so let us work with what we have. Jazz and Blues in January – how about another triathlon then? We have 3,000 extra rooms built in recent times.

Sumfest in July…how about a beach football, beach volleyball, mountain climbing tournament? These are just a few of the non traditional sporting events which attract the sport and entertainment tourists.

Try it

I want us to try these new and innovative ways in our thinking. I see where the Jamaica Tourist Board has appointed an officer to pay close attention to sport tourism. It has to be the best move in a long while. I just hope Howard McIntosh gets the support he will need for the programmes to be effective.

Employment and the Sporting Industry in Jamaica

2008-11-21T11:27:00.000-06:00

With sport being one of the fastest growing industries in the world, more and more jobs can and are being created as a result.

Jamaica should be no different and it is a clear opportunity to be able to build the capacity of the industry which has given so much to this country for well over 60 years. The Ministry of Sport and its agencies along with private sector partners must now create the environment where sport is recognized and seen as a viable option for growth and development in the Jamaican economy.

Former Prime Minister, Hon. Edward Seaga, in his research has indicated the sporting industry employs approximately 22,474 people generating some US$700 million. This figure people employed directly to sport and its related areas.
Without proper measurement tools to capture the real value, it does contribute something to the gross domestic product (GDP). What then is the plan to formalise this industry and use it to the benefit of our society?

The employment figure represents almost the same as the number of teachers, which is significant enough to be noticed. That number can be increased and add value to the industry and eventually to the economy. While we devise those strategies we may want to liaise with the Planning Institute of Jamaica to see how we can measure the impact on GDP.

In challenging economic times, there are some products which will always be consumed and sport, like entertainment remains attractive. I urge the powers that be to take this much more seriously than we have.

Sporting federations cannot carry the burden alone. There main aim is to prepare their athletes for respective competitions which the country benefits from; but the management of the industry has to be guided by a policy which enables the environment for sport to be economically viable. Credit must be given to those federations which have been vigilant over the years and they continue to do well. The environment has not been the easiest to work with. Policy will help to level the playing field and NOW is the time. We are sitting on a gold mine and we are not capitalizing on it.

Businessman, Michael Hall, wrote “the resources required to make the policy work must come out of a partnership between those who control the means to make it happen and those with a common vision.”

We however will have to be patient as we develop the process and the plan; as the success will not happen overnight.

If we look at the football situation, we can safely say, planning has been missing from that equation and hence our talent growth could be affected due to lack of motivation.

It may be a requirement for the country to declare its hands on the sporting areas that matter

• Core sports – those to invest in to achieve excellence, e.g track and field, football, netball, cricket and basketball
• Network sports – those that can give us great networking opportunity e.g. golf, tennis, beach volleyball (great made for TV events)
• Targeted sports – investment in individual athletes who can be identified at the world level in KEY events e.g. equestrian, swimming, badminton
• Non-investment sports – those which are taught from the basic level and are part of a general physical education programme from the primary school level. This is a good opportunity for development of potential teams

We ought to make up our minds!

Burrell blames Simoes

2008-11-21T06:25:00.002-06:00

Management of a Sporting Organisation

Jamaica has so many pluses regarding sport and its ability to unite the people. The men and women of Jamaica has, for in over 60 years performed at the highest level and have brought significant attention to the country, right across the world.

One thing that has been questionable, is the ability of our sport adminstrators to manage effectively. It becomes even more difficult when we have the extensive talent we still continue to have in this country.

On the matter of football...Brazilian, Rene Simoes came to Jamaica in the 1990s and returned in the 2008, but the results were different. Jamaica qualified for France in 1998; in 2008 the story change. Both times though under the leadership of Captain Horace Burrell. What then has changed...error in judgement.

Burrell as the employer is to be blamed as was Simoes for the failure of the Jamaican team to make it to the final round of the 2010 World Cup, scheduled for South Africa.

There were way too many experiments at the national level with coaches and the selection of the team for each match was way off. Burrell has to take the blame.

As for his comment regarding local coaches and the national team, lesson 1: "we have to believe in our own, for others to believe is us"...Captain, your comments are way off base and is a disservice to Theodore Whitmore, who has a 100 per cent record. Doesn't results matter? I thought so!

Whitmore needs to be invested in. He knows the football, create in him a master of Jamaican style of football. Why countries want to import our services and we are busy importing services from overseas.

Train him! It can be done! Burrell has to be made responsible for his action, it is not for him to pass the blame.

Track and field has successfully used local coaches and its success is tremendous. Look at Glen Mills, Stephen Francis and DOnald Quarrie, they are all being sought overseas.

Football can copy this template. Especially when the Manning and Dacosta Cup competitions are just as competitive as the high schools track and field. Both have the same base at the school level.

Just some ideas for the Jamaica Football Federation...plan, plan, plan; short, medium and long term planning.

Let's get cracking for the 2014 World Cup!

Using Sport Tourism as a gateway to wider tourism initiatives

2008-11-16T10:44:00.002-06:00

Triathlon, an event to boost sport tourism in Jamaica

2008-10-29T17:32:00.000-06:00

Carole Beckford, Contributor

The Rose Hall Triathlon, which ended in Jamaica last weekend, was a clear indication that the tourism sector is maximising its opportunities for the development of sports as a valuable aspect of the tourism product.

The triathlon, by nature, suggests endurance, and so Jamaica is making sure there is diversity to its tourism product to attract a wider cross section of visitors to the island.

What was amazing about this massive three-day event was the opportunity for guests from home and abroad to not just experience the event, but also to see wellness in a new light.

fit principles

This event is well-timed, as following on the heels of the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China; the curious onlookers tried to figure out what was it Jamaican athletes were doing that made them so great. The wellness aspect highlighted just some of the positives.

From the seminars which took place on October 24, it was evident that Jamaica's foods had something in them no other types of foods have, and the presenters called for the authorities to "ensure that all is done environmentally to protect the foods in Jamaica."

Most triathlons do not have this type of wellness fest, but trust Jamaica to be innovative, and it worked, as people from all walks of life listened and interacted with presenters on principles of staying fit and healthy. These principles varied, but the real story which emerged was "Jamaican athletes were special and it is something to nurture because of the nature in Jamaica."

big-city event

Triathlons are generally held in big cities and these competitions, which include cycling, swimming and running, date back to the 1920s. Reports have indicated that the triathlon was used as 'off-beat training exercise for runners'. Jamaica, as an island, is in a great place for the development of this event as an attraction and could even be seen as a source of early training for some of our athletes as we seek to further strengthen our athletics programme.

The sport made its debut in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and is now in a number of cities across the world, attracting thousands of competitors worldwide each year. There are even shorter versions for children.

Why not Jamaica then? The Treasure Beach group has hosted a successful triathlon, and now Rose Hall has come on board. It is the way to go for diversity and with proper organisation can also attract great media attention to the sport and Jamaica.

stage is set

Certainly our beaches are available for the swimming leg and with the major improvement in the road network, cycling is not too challenging either. For Montego Bay, the Catherine Hall Sports Complex, home of the Montego Bay Relays, could be the venue for the running aspect. So the stage is set.

This column supports diversity and new and innovative ideas, as in this time of strange economic events, a destination has to get creative. Jamaica, as always, sits on a gold mine and should explore all the opportunities.

Organisers of the WATA triathlon should be commended for going out on a limb and as we hope for the effective growth of Jamaica as a sports tourism destination, I welcome more initiatives of this kind.

TEN ways I think we can all serve JAMAICA

2008-09-28T18:45:00.001-06:00

Disclaimer: This was inspired by a Time Magazine article I read recently...21 ways to serve America.

Social graces are declining in the world, but in developing countries such as Jamaica, the recovery process is much longer. However, we have to START EARLY...

1. SUPPORT LEGISLATION: We should make it compulsory for every Jamaican from 14 years up serve a community group, non for profit organisation or a sporting organisation.This is expansion of our National Youth Service
2. TAKE A TOUR: We should encourage families to take a tour of Jamaica, so we can see how our brothers and sisters exist/survive.
3. JOIN THE LIBRARY (online or the Physical one): This is an encouragement for all of us to read, this is in addition to the school texts...it is also a hint to Jamaican writers to write more of our own stories.
4. START YOUNG: Imagine if you wanted to be a great football player, you would start dribbling from as early as eight years old, well since so many of our social graces have declined, get in the game early. Eat out once in a while, visit a neighbour, attend church, go our of town to a sporting event etc
5. KNOW HOW PARLIAMENT WORKS: Know who your political representatives are and what their roles are. In other words, re-enter the CIVIC world.
6. VOLUNTEER: Go to a nursing home, a hospital, a prison facility, a school in your community; offer your service Free of Charge
7. EXERCISE: Walk 20 minutes a day for three days a week. Obesity and Heart related diseases are top in the list of killers of "black" people
8. IGNORE YOUR AGE: Not because you are a little older than some, do from "1" to "8" and stick to it. Retirement should be dynamic
9. TURN YOUR DREAMS INTO REALITY: Pass on the knowledge you have and the world will be a better place. Share, Share, Share
10. PREPARE FOR THE WORST: At all times, expect the worst, but if you are prepared you will be able to handle the challenges.

Let's work for a better JAMAICA.

Keep the Story True

2008-09-17T15:18:00.000-06:00

So much has been published and carried about Jamaica since August 15, 2008, that it is almost unbelievable the value of the exposure this small country has gotten during this time.

I heard BBC Journalist on radio saying “Jamaica gets so much bad press that the last few days have just been so much great news. And there are so many angles to tell these stories from.” I think that is an endorsement from the BBC and we should build on that.

I cannot overemphasize how well our 51-member team to the Olympics in Beijing, has kept Jamaica in a positive light and what a momentum it has created, way past the nine-day wonders we have become accustomed you.

I am going out on a limb this time around to say this time around, things will be different. Let us be mindful that while we are getting great press, there is always a way for international media to twist and turn the stories to suit their own needs. For example, I saw a headline recently “From Pauper to Sprint King” now how untrue is that? If my information is right, the Bolts were never paupers, and now they are not. But there is always someone, somewhere who wants to denigrate. I beg us to tell our own story and tell it with pride.

Please print, carry on radio and TV, and produce documentaries, features and even full length movies as part of the legacy of our programme. The MVP story, even with all the current grouses, would still be good material for a feature…truth be told!

SPORT POLICY ON THE WAY

Within a few months Jamaica will have a draft sport policy to discuss with all major stakeholders. As a credit to Jamaica, The UNESCO International Roundtable Congress on Sport for Peace and Development was just was hosted in Jamaica over two days and from the discussions to take place, the country will have a document to guide how physical education and sport is managed for economic, political and social development.

As we celebrate though, let us be serious about our commitment in sustaining programmes and activities geared at success at the highest level for sport, but we must be decisive. The policy will help as we will have guidelines by which to operate.

Jamaica’s 60 year history is more than sufficient for us to pay attention to sustaining another strong 60 years and more in sport for this country.

Yes we can! Yes we should!

PROTOCOL

Hosting a welcome home reception for one of the world’s most popular track and field athlete is like hosting a major sporting event. This means that all the necessary plans must be in place to ensure smooth running.

Protocol must be observed as for this activity you would be dealing with a variety of persons, including National Officials, Family, Officials of the particular sport, officials of the sporting fraternity and the exuberant fans.

As we prepare for a round of celebrations to last over an extended period, let’s plan, rehearse, assimilate for rain or shine and hope for a perfect implementation.

Invitations must be sent out early and the necessary follow up done so seating or placement of people by status be done correctly.

Our athletes deserve it!

Major Events and Protocol

2008-09-09T14:17:00.003-06:00

So now we are becoming a regular destination for hosting major sporting events and ever so often, we need to be reminded of the rules which should guide us in how protocol is to be observed.
Here are some areas we should pay keen attention to:
-seating plans
- precedence of persons
- invitations
- speeches
- flags

Let's take our National Stadium, for example. The Royal Box can seat 87 persons in permanent seats and an additional 14 can be added. The additional seats are to seat the president of the sporting federation, heads of government and the specially invited guests of the host.

Special care must be made when seating persons who speak a foreign language, space should be made for a translator; and if there are couples involved, it is customary to separate them, unless they are the hosts. These seating arrangements are also relevant for seating at a dinner table.

Examples

Precedence of persons includes official titles and how they are to be used appropriately by the public address announcer. A clear example is the governor general. He is to be announced as His Excellency the Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and in the case of the prime minister, the Honourable Bruce Golding.
Invitations should be sent at least 14 days in advance of the event and should bear directions to the venue, parking information, allotment of tickets, number of seats to be occupied and dress code. In addition, the RSVP is to be used so the organisers can know the response to the invitations and if allowed, how many guests will attend.
Long speeches have no place at a major sporting event; however, when mentioning dignitaries, they should be mentioned in descending hierarchical order.

Finally, flags are symbolic of a country's honour. The colours on the flags are significant as there is generally a story. The Jamaican flag has black, green and gold which refer to the people, land and sunshine. When there are two flags, one is to be placed to the left of the audience and the other flag on the right.
This is just one element of event hosting that should be placed as high priority, so I thought I would mention protocol first; however, there is so much more to talk about.

Jamaica - Sport Policy Needed NOW

2008-08-31T12:15:00.000-06:00

Jamaica has so much to gain from its recent superb performance at the Summer Olympic Games that it should pull out all the stops to complete the Sport Policy to help to guide the country's Sport Development Process. The process should include

improving the quality of life
using sport as part of a multi-faceted approach to solving complex social issues
building and maintaining sport infrastructure
attracting major events to Jamaica for economic benefits
voluntarism and active citizenship
Michael Hall, former SDF Chairman has supported my call in saying that "we should identify and link the elements of sport development and establish a mechanism that will provide the foundation from which Jamaica full sporting potential can be realised."

The policy should also seek to set out guidelines for the reduction of inequities associated with gender, age and social class. The strategy should also address the issue of funding required to maintain the programmes.

The role of the Sport Development Foundation (SDF), Institute of Sport (INSPORT) and the Social Development Commission (SDC) MUST be enhanced. The efforts must also seek to collaborate with the Ministries of Education and Health

Politics and Sports

2008-08-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

Occasional outbursts from respective governments who feel cheated from international conspiracies are sometimes bothered by the interference of politics on sport. As the Games of the 29th Olympiad go on in Beijing, China there were some tense moments as the games were ready to begin.

Today, there may be little that separate sport and politics, because it is all about who wins. However, after the victory, then what? An athlete celebrates and looks to greater challenges ahead, While in politics, after the victory, there is no more challenge until the next race is about to start. In other words, no real preparation goes on.

As we all look at the Olympic Games in China a former resident of China Kathy Xu is quoted as saying “it’s not just about how fast you can run or how far you can jump,” but I think having [China] hosting the Olympics is the exact opposite of what the Olympics claim to promote.”

She went even further by indicating that the International Olympic Committee has turned a blind eye to how the Chinese support governments of Sudan and Zimbabwe. The question is, would a boycott be good at this time? We reflect quickly on the games in Moscow in 1980 where up to 62 countries stayed away; and in 1984 in Los Angeles where there was another boycott.

Where do we cross the line? Are governments ever going to get it? As consumers we ought to question the silence of the sponsors, who pump billions of dollars into the staging of these games. This may be an indication of their support of the oppression people face. Or do they think the support is strictly to the hosting of the games. Is the IOC going to ever say to a country “because you violate certain basic principles of human life, you are not eligible to host.” Can this happen?
Here is just an example of what has happened in three Olympic Games which were boycotted. In 1980 in Moscow the protest was about the Soviet’s invasion fo Afghanistan. In Los Angeles, security concerns were the main reason and only 14 countries stayed away; while in 1988 in Seoul, North Korea, Cuba and Ethiopia boycotted because of South Korea’s refusal to acknowledge North Korea as co-host.
The question is…could Jamaica have boycotted because they thought that China’s support of Zimbabwe was wrong? Especially when we think that this is the year where the best medal prospects exist?
The impact of the games will always be positive and the question we want to ask ourselves will human rights get better or worse after the Olympic Games? There is no doubt that new friends, contact and networking opportunities will be made and explored and the athletes will benefit. As consumers we also have an opportunity to view exciting and competitive events.
100 metres finals
At the time of writing this column, the 100 metres semi final listing for men was out and I was calling and emailing around to pick the top eight. What I was proud of is, there were three Jamaicans in the top 16 men in 100 metres in the world in 2008.
There were five other men from the Caribbean, making this region representing 50 per cent of the field. Could we use that to market the Caribbean as the greatest destination in the world? Yes we can (to borrow a phrase from the Obama campaign).
How will that end? I am sure we would have all known by now

Francis needs to be tamed…

2008-08-01T08:11:00.001-06:00

The concept of the MVP Track Club, home of Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter and Sherone Simpson is a welcome addition to the track and field fraternity in Jamaica. The MVP unit has been responsible for producing home-grown talent and the track and field fraternity is better positioned now more than ever.

For too many years, Jamaican athletes got grooming from primarily the American system but just over a decade ago, the country has been able to recognise the value of having physical and technical infrastructure which enables growth and development for the local talent.

So now are not only able to unearth the talent, we are also able to prepare them on our own for international recognition and continued success. We have also added to the list of opportunities for performances by hosting IAAF sanctioned meets that other international stars look forward to competing in.

While we laud head coach, Stephen Francis for his abilities, we are not in support of him maligning the integrity of a system he learnt from. His recent outbursts have been uncalled for and also baseless. I care not about his personal feelings about the personnel in the JAAA or the JOA; but there are standards which we must uphold.

Calling his colleagues “a bunch of high school coaches who do not know what they are doing” is out of order. Considering his early days in coaching was spent learning at the feet of Glen Mills. Mills has had success under his belt for some three decades, being responsible for athletes like Donald Quarrie, Raymond Stewart, Kim Collins, Carey Johnson, Garfield Campbell and now Usain Bolt. If I were to be bold and I will, while Aleen Bailey was with coach Mills, she has her better days.

Francis must and should show respect for his country and the system, and if he has suggestions for their improvement, put them in perspective and put the recommendations where they belong; not in the media.

Jamaica is now in the spotlight, not Stephen Francis and he must be brought to abide by the rules as set by governing bodies. The rules cannot be different for one set of athletes from the other. This would be a recipe for disaster.

Let us not be distracted from the task at hand and go after the best performance we could muster up for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Deal with the issues after and fix them appropriately.

Sport Tourism and Agriculture

2008-07-24T21:46:00.001-06:00

Much has been said about the athletic prowess of Jamaicans. I could go down a list of things people have surmised about:
1. the weather
2. the water
3. the hills
…but I am here to propose that there is a direct correlation between the talent and the food…yes the food. I know you are all wondering where I am going with this.

Let’s take a serious look at where SOME of our top performing athletes are from and analyse the agricultural strength of those areas.

Jackie Pusey, Beverley McDonald are all from St. Mary; Pablo McNeill, Veronica Campbell Brown, Michael Green, Usain Bolt are all from Trelawny; we have seen what the Christiana area has produced over the last ten years in the Holmwood camp and we have a few scattered over the island.

St. Mary is the home of the best grown bananas…high in potassium and its importance to the diet is, it helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and kidney diseases. Well, what can I say about Trelawny, home of the greatest tasting yam in the world. Yam can be used to make wine, bun, cake, pudding and punch.

Let me declare that I have no scientific evidence of this correlation, however, what I can tell you is Professor Errol Morrison and Dr. Henry Lowe are working on something and I am sure they are eager to tell the world.

The Benefits

My thoughts may be trivial to some of you…but in light of creative tourism marketing we can make this an attraction. People all over the world, want to be Jamaican. They want to be a Jamaican who can run, play football, sing and dance. If for any reason they think that it is because of the food, they will come here to have the experience.

Like everything else though, it must be packaged. The organisers of the Trelawny Yam Festival may want to have home boy Usain endorse the festival with words like: Hi, I am Usain, Jamaican track and field star. I was born and raised in Trelawny and my diet must include Yam. If you want to run as fast as I can……”

Remember Jimmy Adams and Serge Island Milk? We must find creative ways and means to get more visitors to our island and if we believe our own stories, then others will hear it and believe it too.

Next Steps

If we think there is a method to our talent in sport and there is definitely a connection to be made we should make all the necessary plans to get that research going. I therefore call on the Universities of the West Indies and Technology to get the research going, so maybe in our lifetime we can know the true story.

I know my storytellers are just waiting to start writing and my filmmakers to start filming. There is a story to tell, and we need to tell it ourselves.

For all the promoters of food festivals, when you sit in your next set of planning meetings, invite one of our local scientists…you may never know what can turn up.

I want to hear from you on this one.

P.S. We can now start doing research on cassava

Special Events for Sport Tourism

2008-07-09T10:10:00.001-06:00

Summer is here. It is an Olympic year. It is also the year when so many other major sporting events are on around the world. Some of these events are way too costly for the ordinary person, while some are more affordable. Thanks to television most of us can view even excerpts live and delayed.

At the recent Commonwealth Conference on Sport Tourism, the Director General, Commonwealth Tourism Centre, Malaysia, Abdul Rahman Shaari was quoted as saying “more and more countries are designing special events to attract tourists to their respective countries. The conference which was held in May 2008 is also reporting that the over 50 Commonwealth countries offer an eclectic blend of tourism environments, attractions, histories, interests, expectations and experiences.

Jamaica is part of that group, which has been offering and will continue to offer a unique experience. But as always, more can and should be done to attract greater numbers to the island.

I have mentioned some of the very special events we have throughout the year…the Gibson Relays, Boys and Girls Championships, May Invitational are just some of the calendar events and we need more. You would notice those events are track and field. There needs to a wider variety.

I suggest we create a sporting (special) event around the time we have the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues, so patrons can find something to do during the day. How about a rock climbing (made for TV) competition? How about a Cockpit Country Challenge? The Jamaica National Heritage Trust (JHNT) could create a trail with proper signs, so it serves as a competition and also as a history lesson. These events could be packaged and sold to high-profile television networks which have these types of events in their programme schedules.

Even for Reggae Sumfest, we could design an extreme sport contest to appeal to the age-group which will more than likely attend the one-week event. Plus if MTV has an additional reason to be here in Jamaica, then why not? I think we need to seriously explore those possibilities.

The sustainability of the sport tourism product has to be guided by policy and programmes aimed at generating revenue, exposure and job opportunities. The design and implementation elements of the programme have to bear those things in mind.

Special events are not just for the moment, but instead developers of these events have a role in attracting those who
1. travel to play
2. travel to watch
3. travel to learn

Jamaica has so much to offer to all those groups. Yes we can!

Well done JAAA
If you were lucky to be at the National Stadium in Kingston between June 27 and 29, you would have witnessed one of the most exciting national track and field championships anywhere in the world. The JAAA should be commended for a great effort in organising a great event. Now the 52 athletes who have been selected are in the spotlight between August 8 and 24 in Beijing. We all look forward!

An event to witness close to the end of July…the showdown between Tyson Gay (9.68 seconds with a 4.1 m/s wind) versus Asafa Powell (9.74 seconds). Even without Bolt in the mix it is going to be a cracker. If you are close to Crystal Palace, London, you should go.

Sport Tourism Events and Branding

2008-06-26T05:19:00.002-06:00

Carole Beckford, Contributor

Lights! Camera! Action!
June 27 - 29
National Stadium
"You would not want to miss this."

Is it a new movie? Is it the launch of a new drink? Is it Reggae Sumfest? Is it Portland Jerk Festival? No! It is the national track and field championship, June 27 to 29.

This event will be used to select the Jamaican track and field contingent for the 29th Summer Olympic Games for Beijing, China, August 8-24. This year in particular is shaping up to be one of the most, if not the most, exciting trials in a very long time.

Well, thanks to the usual top-class performances from our athletes since January, we can certainly look forward to close and nail-biting finishes in a number of events. I know you are thinking that the 100 metres for men is the stellar event, and maybe it is, but there are the 100 and 200 metres for women and the 400 metres for women which will be closely competed.

be a part of history

Wherever you are, plan to be a part of history and attend the meet for three days of 'world beaters on track'.

So the question here then is, do these major events have a brand image? Sure they do. Where else in the world can you find three or more athletes who are in the top ten in the world for 100, 200 metres (men and women) and 100 metres hurdles (women)? Nowhere else - except in Jamaica. And we should brand it accordingly. 'World beaters compete for spot on Olympic team' - a possible theme for the trials.

questions

We have to look at it from the spectators' perspectives at all times and what the expectations are likely to be and there are three questions we should try to answer:

1. What are the attributes of the event?

2. What are the benefits of the event?

3. What are the attitudes toward the event?

A lot of these questions can be answered by the media exposure, word of mouth (that is still the best tool for promotion these days); and from all the other experiences of great track meets we have hosted in Jamaica.

The Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association and its officials have to take credit for the fact that they have been hosts to well-run events for a long time and the national trials 2008 will be no different. So let's get this show on the road.

I have deliberately stayed away from calling names of these athletes and I know the sport columnists/writers will do enough of that. Needless to say, Jamaica has a plethora of athletes who can perform creditably in a number of events and they should be encouraged to 'keep on track'.

PS: Whether we get insane (Usain) or we go faster (Asafa), June 27-29 will be as good a time as ever to be in Jamaica. Book your tickets early! And remember, we have some of the finest restaurants in Kingston.

published: Hospitality Jamaica, Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Blackwell has his own rum

2008-06-15T07:47:00.007-06:00

Entertainment guru, Chris Blackwell, has launched his own line of rum...Black(well) Gold. Blackwell is currently on his Jamaica tour, having done Kingston and Montego Bay already.

In Kingston, the launch was at Terra Nova and in Montego Bay at the Pavillion at Half Moon.

Blackwell will take the tour to other major cities across the world.

Reggae and rum...what a great combination

Cecile Levee and Blackwell sharing a joke (Photo 1)

Blackwell sharing with Lennox Lewis and his partners from J. Wray & Nephew Photo 2)

Beyond the Asafa-Bolt hype

2008-06-15T07:30:00.001-06:00

Are the JAAA, JTB cashing-in at National Trials?
BY ANDREW HANCEL Observer staff reporter hancela@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, June 15, 2008

When Usain Bolt broke Asafa Powell's world record recently, many avenues open. Bolt and Powell are now expected to meet over the distance at the Jamaica Olympic Trials (June 27-29) in a contest that has already triggered massive interest around the globe.

Established international media entities such has BBC, ESPN, FoxSports and NBC and a host of other broadcasting agencies from as far as Japan, Italy and L'Equipe of France, have all indicated their desire to give coverage to this stellar event.

But beyond the hype and drama that is about to unfold at the National Stadium in Kingston, the issue of how the nation can capitalise on the expected influx of revenue gathers momentum.

At a glance the possibilities are endless. By virtue of Jamaica being a great tourist destination, coupled with its world acclaimed reggae music, the little Caribbean island stands to benefit immensely - if shrewdly and prudently executed - from these Olympic Trials.

From the look of things, however, the governing body for the sport, the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA), appears to have already dropped the baton.

Carole Beckford, author of the book, Keeping Jamaica's Sport on Track, indicate that another opportunity to market Jamaica via sport could go abegging.

"One of the things that we fail to do effectively is to mix sports with entertainment, because that is a package all to its self," Beckford told Sunday Observer in a recent interview.

"We've been in the Olympics for 60 years, so it's time to re-engage our youngsters and our people into Jamaica's history of... the Olympics games," she pointed.

Meanwhile, Jamaica gained invaluable experience in the hosting of major events from the 2002 World Junior Championships and the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

Knowing what it takes to stage a world event, the onus is now on the key players, including the government, to bring added value to this upcoming event - arguably is the most highly anticipated pre-Olympics meet heading into the 29th Olympiad in Beijing, China.According to the website www.sportbusiness.com, Sport Tourism is a multi-billion dollar business and one of the fastest growing of the US$4.5 trillion global travel and tourism industry.

But delving into this is relatively virgin territory in the Jamaican context and for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), notes Beckford.

"It's (for) the Jamaica Tourist Board to now see the National Trials as a major event and package it properly so that it will engage and attract people to come into the country... associate it with the entertainment package," said Beckford.

Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett, told the Sunday Observer that "Sport Tourism will become the centre-piece of the tourism new marketing approach to drive greater visitor arrivals into the country".
But it still remains unclear whether the JTB is on board for the most important weekend in June.

When contacted, lead organiser of the Jamaica Trials, Ludlow Watts, had little say.

"We're in our planning stage now and I don't want to make a lot of comment... but... a lot of interests is being generated. All the various components are being processed right now... and a lot of interest is being shown in the championships. We're actually planning for a high-quality meet," Watts stated.

"We expect it to be high quality based on the performance of the athletes and we in turn want... to provide a good structure and ensure that we have a good Championship for the benefit of the athletes and the spectators..."

It is yet to be seen, however, to what degree Jamaica reaps benefits from parading on local soil the two fastest human beings that have ever lived.

Taken from the Jamaica Observer www.jamaicaobserver.com

Diary of a SPORT TOURIST

2008-05-30T18:41:00.000-06:00

I want to go to South Africa, somewhere between June 11 and July 10, 2010, so I can have lots to tell my friends about the wonderful world of football. Fans from all across the world will gather in the major cities in that country for 'The Greatest Show on Earth'. These fans can be considered sport tourists, as they travel to participate in or watch a sport.

Think about a major sporting event being held in Jamaica and a tourist who comes here, writes back to a friend to relate the wonderful time in Jamaica for the typical five/six days for an average stay.

Dear Louise:

Got in on Thursday for a Saturday event, so I could have a whole day to look around and soak up the IRIE Jamaican feeling.

Day 1

I landed in Montego Bay at the Sangster International Airport in what seemed to have had recent renovations. I spotted a picture of the great fast bowler, Courtney Walsh, as I walked through the halls. I got my duffle bag pretty quickly as the airport is fully equipped with staff. A JUTA bus picked me up and took me to my hotel. I asked the driver to roll down the window so I could smell and feel the wonderful Jamaican breeze - magnificent. First time in this place, WOW!

Day 2

Off to Negril where the road race is scheduled to be. My driver is early, said it would take about 45 minutes to get to my first destination. Nice, hot day, but 'sweet' breeze. Driver, whose name was Tom, said, "You feel good this early in the morning!" I gave in. It was the most refreshing drink I have had in a while.

Cars, trucks and buses whisked by us, but Tom takes his time, while trying to give me a guided tour. His accent is interesting, not to say the least. We reached Negril. Lots of action, mopeds, roller skaters, taxis, buses, and the town was hopping.

I got to the registration area to confirm that I was in the race and picked up my passes.

The race was on the next day at 5 a.m., so I didn't plan to walk around much - had to rest the legs. I told Tom to walk with me through the town for a while. So we parked and walk.

Day 3

I am up at 3 a.m., excited about competing in the Reggae Marathon for the first time. Tom is prompt and we leave at 3:30. I report to the starter by 4:30 and I am ready.

I placed 50th in my category, and was pleased; even more pleased that I could finally have a Red Stripe.

Day 4

Days three and four slipped into each other as we partied all night, grooving to the sounds of sweet Jamaican music, reggae, dancehall and some good old '70s hits.

Day 5

Back to Michigan I must go. Tom bid me goodbye, "Mek sure you buy a bottle of Appleton rum on your way out." I did. And I tried some patties, too. I had a great time!

How many times are these stories told and to how many people? Let's plan for more major sporting events in Jamaica so the stories can be told.

http://hospitalityjamaica.com/sports1.html

Thinking outside the box: Sport Tourism

2008-05-14T16:32:00.000-06:00

Sport Tourism and its ability to attract visitors to the island should not be limited to traditional events, like golf, tennis, polo or even beach volleyball; it can instead look at the specific features of Jamaica and create events which can be ‘culturally inspired’.

We can also take traditional competitions like a triathlon and tweak it so the country can benefit from visitors and residents getting the opportunity to see more of Jamaica, while enjoying the offerings of cuisine and various entertainment packages.

Jake’s Resort, recently completed Triathlon is a great example of a sport tourism product which can attract a new type of sport tourist and the island is able to benefit tremendously from media exposure at the same time.

The very-exciting 500 metres swim, 25 kilometer bike ride and the seven kilometer run along Jamaica’s south coast is a physical challenge; however for the spectators it is an opportunity to watch and cheer, while enjoying the tropical weather in Jamaica, even if it rains. Good job Jake’s and I look forward to an annual event. Let’s get major sports network on board to broadcast this so we can have bigger and better events.

JAMAICAN SUPERSTARS

Years ago, Jamaica was host of the Snapple Superstars where American superstars participated in swimming, weightlifting, kayaking, golf, basketball shoot-out, cycling, half mile run and a 100-metre dash. Jamaica is not short on stars and I am sure we could have our own “Superstars” event.

Imagine for a moment Asafa Powell, Ricardo Gardener, Elaine Davis, Winston Griffiths, Oberon Pitterson, Brigitte Foster Hylton, Kali McCarthy, Simone Forbes, Paul Lalor and more competing in such an event. Outside of the media frenzy it would create, it would be a ‘made for TV event’.

It is also an additional opportunity for spectators and fans to get to see another side of some of their favourite people; while it gives the superstar an opportunity to relate to their peers in other sporting areas. Even in the preparation/training for the challenging event, there would be an opportunity for interaction.

I challenge the Western Hotels Association to re-organise this event, under the Jamaican banner for next April/May, a full year to plan, so we can host this fabulous event. I know it can be a success. If this comes on the calendar every two years then we have something to look forward to. We could throw in one international sport star as special guest, to create international appeal.

The US Model featured Jason Sehorn (New York Giants); Tim Raines (New York Yankees), Erik Williams (Dallas Cowboys) and Michael Westbrook (Washington Redskins). It was aired on ABC and a number of international journalists came. Win win for all.

LIGHTNING “BOLT” was in true form on Saturday, May 3, and if you were not there to see it live and living colour, well there are a number of places you can see the race. The 21-year old lit up the track with a spectacular 9:76 seconds in his third major competitive 100 metres. I also saw the 10:03 a few months ago, so I knew he had it in him. FYI – by Sunday, May 4 up to 7:00 p.m. over 10,000 hits were on www.youtube.com for just that race. Phenomenal! Good luck in Beijing!

Polo – another option for sport in Jamaica. Jamaica recently hosted the 19th ICWI international ladies tournament with players from Singapore, Argentina, Britain and Zimbabwe and Lesley-Ann Masterton Fong Yee was one of the most valuable players. She also performed creditably in the NCB Tournament on Sunday, May 4. Non traditional game with a specific market appeal…why not?

Jamaica has the goods, look at the diversity. Let’s deliver.

Get a Professional Certificate in Sport Management

2008-05-07T19:52:00.003-06:00

The GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport, Spanish Town, Jamaica, is offering a course in Sport Management to begin Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in Kingston. The 27-year old teacher training institution, which currently offers courses for certificate, diploma and degree students for teacher training is adding the professional certificate course to diversify its offerings as it steps up its promotion for the 2008 to 2009 school year.

The course is comprehensive 30 hours programme which will look at functional areas of sport management, hisotrical, cultural features of sport management and how to identify and manage the current trends in sport management.

Principal of the College, Yvonne Kong, is pleased that the college is meeting the demands of the market. She also noted that the institution is prepared to ensure that the sporting sector gets all the support it needs to maintain and enhance its cuurent status. "Jamaica has to much of a rich history and sport and continues to do well, not to have the necessary support in place. GC Foster can assist in meeting that need."

The Principal added that the course is expected to be offered in the Masters' Programme which will be offered in the near future.

Applications are now being accepted at the College by calling 748 3227/984 2328
The course is being offered for J$35,000 + a registration/processing fee of $1,000

Bolt sizzles in 100 metres dash

2008-05-03T23:25:00.003-06:00

Usain Bolt posted a world leading time of 9.76sec - second fastest time in history - to win the 100m Saturday at the Jamaica International Invitation athletics meet, held at the National Stadium in Kingston (May 3)

Jamaica's Bolt, following two false starts, won ahead of USA's Darvis Patton and Antiguan, Daniel Bailey, who were second and third respectively on 10:08 and 10.12 seconds.

American Wallace Spearmom faded into fifth place.
World record holder, Asafa Powell did not compete. He is out due to injury.

Sports tourism is good for the Caribbean

2008-05-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

Bevan Springer
Friday, May 02, 2008
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/magazines/Business/html/20080501T220000-0500_135144_OBS_SPORTS_TOURISM_IS_GOOD_FOR_THE_CARIBBEAN.asp

While the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup may have helped economic expansion, boosted infrastructure investment and furthered functional cooperation across the region, many in the tourism circles did not reap the kind of dividends they expected from the sporting spectacle because of the unexpected early defeat and exit of major cricketing nations such as India and Pakistan and the absence of traditional winter visitors, many of whom who chose to stay away from the Caribbean during the Cup's staging.

Nevertheless, the Caribbean has been left with an awesome opportunity to market state-of-the-art sporting facilities to a booming international sports tourism community during the cricket season and beyond if we are to capitalise on the millions of dollars that have been invested in them.
Carole Beckford, writing in the Jamaica press, said international bodies have long realized the value of sport to tourism and the money it can take into developing countries.

"Jamaica should therefore decide to host major sporting events in the future only on the following bases: To ensure the continuing economic and lifestyle values for local communities. The importance of building both quality and sustainability standards to meet all patrons' expectations and to make use of current facilities and infrastructure.

"The intense global media and Internet exposure that can affect a country's tourism competitiveness, its visitor appeal and its entire international image. (And) the increasing public interest and the specific interest around travel to major sporting events. When we are able to achieve all four of the objectives listed above then we are good to go."
According to St Lucian author Peter Adrien, "Sport Tourism calls for a paradigm shift in our conception and development of sports in the Caribbean. And this new vision must become part and parcel of our personal, national and regional development vision.

"Policy-makers must clearly define the role of recreational and commercial sports in the development strategy. The first is an imperative, and forms an integral part of the program for building a harmonious and productive society, and lays the foundation for the successful growth of the political and economic systems, while the second is selective and targeted towards foreign exchange earning."

The St Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) and more recently the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) have made some major inroads into tapping into the expatriate markets of cricketing playing nations living in North America by wooing them to come to the Caribbean. Before the Cricket World Cup last year, the SLTB, along with Cricket World Cup St Lucia Inc, hit the road to tap West Indians, Kenyans and New Zealanders living in North America to entice them to visit the Caribbean for cricket.

Major Events and Protocol

2008-04-05T08:13:00.001-06:00

April 2, 2008

So now we are becoming a regular destination for hosting major sporting events and ever so often we need to be reminded of the rules which should guide us in how protocol is to be observed.

Here are some areas we should pay keen attention to:
- seating plans
- precedence of persons
- invitations
- speeches
- flags

Let’s take our national stadium for example. The Royal Box can seat 87 persons in permanent seats and an additional 14 can be added. The additional seats are to seat the President of the Sporting Federation, heads of government and the specially invited guest of the host.

Special care must be made when seating persons who speak a foreign language, space should be made for a translator; and if there are couples involved, it is customary to separate them, unless they are the hosts. These seating arrangements are also relevant for seating at a dinner table.

Precedence of persons includes official titles and how they are to be used appropriately by the public address announcer. A clear example is the Governor General. He is to be announced as His Excellency the Most Hon. Professor Sir Kenneth Hall and in the case of the Prime Minister, the Honourable Bruce Golding.

Invitations should be sent at least 14 days in advance of the event and should bear directions to the venue, parking information, allotment of tickets, number of seats to be occupied and dress code. In addition the RSVP is to be used so the organizers can know the response to the invitations and if allowed, how many guests will attend.

Long speeches have no place at a major sporting event; however when mentioning dignitaries they should be mentioned in hierarchical and descending order.

Finally, flags are symbolic of a country’s honour. The colours on the flags are significant as there is generally a story. The Jamaican flag has black, green and gold which refer to the people, land and sunshine. When there are two flags it is to be placed to the left of the audience and the other flag on the right.

This is just one element of event hosting that should be placed as high priority, so I thought I would mention protocol first; however there is so much more to talk about.

I could not complete this week without congratulating the organizers of Boys and Girls Championships 2008 for the well organised four days of spectacular management of an event. It is not hard, so we do not always have to seem like we are starting over each time we host a major event.

I ask that the list of volunteers be looked at seriously and some training and development should be coordinated for them to be kept aware of events hosting in addition to their specific responsibilities at these events. Next time I will look more closely at planning as a major tool for hosting an event.

Send feedback to: cubeckford@gmail.com

Note: What was the JFF thinking? On Wednesday, March 26 patrons were pushed and shoved at the main entrance to the Independence Park Complex, Arthur Wint Drive, because somehow the Jamaica Football Federation forgot to place barriers to be used as walkways. I ask that they return to Plan A.

Beyond the Sun, Sea and Sand...Sport

2008-03-15T06:45:00.001-06:00

It’s going to be great in 2008…isn’t that what we all said this year? Well let’s get to work.

We have flogged the sun, sea and sand pitch of selling Jamaica and sooner than later the competition will stop us right in our track, pun intended. How then will we sell Jamaica as a sport tourist destination?

It is well known across the world that we produce some of the best athletes the world has ever seen. So it must be something in the water we drink or the food we eat or just the fresh air we breathe. Let us package that and sell it.

How many people we could convince to walk the hills of Cold Spring, Hanover, to see where Merlene Ottey grew up? How many young English cricketers can we invite to Boys Town, Kingston to see where the great Collie Smith played?

What should we do to convince some young bright male athlete that if they visit Pleasant Valley, Clarendon where the late great Herb McKenley grew up, they could be motivated to perform excellently. They could probably even visit the Calabar facility on Red Hills Road, where the man spent a lot of time coaching and motivating young men to excel.

I am suggesting we add that dimension to our tourism product. Our sporting legacy can be worth much more if we coordinate our efforts. It could also be a source of information for Jamaican children here in schools. I bet there are a lot of us who could do with a little refresher.

As we prepare for the Summer Olympics this year, what better time than the present?

Puerto Rico is changing their strategy to attract visitors under a programme called Puerto Rico, explore beyond the shore. It is a publicity campaign which is showing the adventurous side of the country.

It is reported that the 2007 golf open in the UK, brought in 14 million pounds into the economy. Not only does golf attract high rollers; but the value of the media exposure is worth millions and the images of the country are broadcast far and wide.

So let us look at the adventure tours, the heritage facilities and any other relevant sporting activity we can design to attract visitors to our island.
I will ask Robert Lalah to help me find some places worthy of note for sport tourists. I see this as an idea for young entrepreneurs to talk to the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO) and put the ideas into action.

I am also recommending that a Tourism Action Club in one of our many schools take on as a project, The Sport Tourism Spots in Jamaica. Consider places where one can swim, cycle, climb, crawl, slide or even jump, outside of a typical resort area, already set up.

I challenge that club in any school in Jamaica.

CHAMPS: Congratulations to the winners of the Boys and Girls Championships. Penn Relays should be a sizzling affair.

Sport facility strategy - one is needed NOW

2008-02-10T10:28:00.000-06:00

The selection of any city or country to host a major sporting event is a long and sometimes complicated process. Jamaica has been a beneficiary of hosting major events for over 40 years, dating back to the Commonwealth Games of 1966.

There have been tremendous benefits to the country. However, the argument now is how we can ensure the sustained use of these facilities for economic earnings and the attraction of more sport tourists.

Some national sporting groups have found it difficult to use some of the premier facilities due to high costs, but a plan has to be put in place to ensure that the facilities' costs are covered, plus the earning of a profit.

I have, in recent times, called for an updated list of facilities in the island with its capacity analysis, that is, the number of amenities, fields and stadiums, and its infrastructure, that is, road (transportation) and works.

In a Major Event Attraction Programme study, conducted by Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI/JAMPRO), the facilities are placed in categories by class with capacities of over 5,000, 2,500 and 1,000 spectators. The study also shows the event potential; whether or not the venue is internationally sanctioned for major conventions, concerts or conferences.

The study highlights 24 facilities to be in classes one to four; being able to host from a high of over 28,000 to a low of 1,000 spectators.

Let us take Sabina Park, for example. It is the first cricket ground to record a triple century - England vs. West Indies in 1930; or the 365 not out by Gary Sobers, plus the remarkable knocks by the indomitable Lawrence Rowe in 1972 (214 and 100 not out on his debut against New Zealand). The rest of the world needs to know that and people should rush to Sabina Park and pay to relive those memories.

Sabina Park was also a venue for track and field championships and can still hold a 400 metres track. The picturesque park recently underwent a major renovation in time for Cricket World Cup 2007. What's next?

The strategy

I know we are afraid of task forces, but I am recommending one to look at the study of the Major Event Attraction Programme and see how Jamaica can benefit from this programme. I know the team will have its experts from the events management portfolio (Jamaica Tourist Board, JTI, Institute of Sport, Independence Park Limited, Sport Development Foundation, Jamaica Olympic Association, etc), but I am suggesting additional personnel from the Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Tourism Product Development Company to be added to look seriously at marketing the facilities for sustained use.

Seating at Venues for major events

As the World Cup football qualifiers approach, along with international friendly games and major track and field championships, can we have a seating layout of the grandstand at all major ticket venues? This will assist patrons in knowing where they will be seated and how many seats are available in the specific section of choice.

I would hate to have to 'tussle' with anyone who is not sitting in the assigned seat. Let's fix that.

Tennis - a catalyst for sport tourism

2008-01-25T18:19:00.000-06:00

If you have not been to the Eric Bell Centre for Tennis in Kingston recently, then you should. I guarantee you will have a new view of tennis and its ability to attract more of us to the sport and possibly more tourists to use available facilities in Jamaica.

The centre is just off Marescaux Road, in Cross Roads, by the L.P. Azar building.

Tennis Jamaica has had a re-branding exercise. They were formerly known as the Jamaica Lawn Tennis Association. Christine and Phillip Gore and their administrative team now run the new establishment.

Major renovation took place in June 2006 and they have since hosted the Davis Cup in April 2007, which, according to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), "was a well run tournament". So, with the ITF certification, they have the green light to host more international tournaments, with minor changes.

With the growth of tennis as a sport globally and more tourists travelling for sport purposes, tennis in Jamaica has a wonderful window of opportunity to add to the list of sporting attractions stock in Jamaica and to the capital city, Kingston.

There are further plans for a tennis academy. There is a hunt on for financial partnership to make this venture a success.

While tennis is a minor sport by Jamaica's definition, it has the potential to create impact that can and would be a vital contri-butor to the development of the sport tourism product. The Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCO) and the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) should jump on board to 'get in the game' and promote tennis and its facilities as just one more thing this 'paradise' has to offer.

The Carib and Sport Tourism

The Caribbean has been officially declared the 'cultural centre' of the world; with that in mind, the tourism experts in the region should create policy which aim's at using our cultural products - sport, music, art and entertainment - to drive activity for stay-over visitors. Studies by the University of the West Indies and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation have indicated that visitor arrivals go up when there is a bundle of activities for special times of the year.

We have, as a region, been able to promote and market the respective music festivals. I know there is a greater role for sport to play. Certainly, at the next tourism heads of state/practitioners meeting, the potential of sport tourism should be discussed as an agenda item in a more serious way. I know it has been discussed, but I want more in-depth plans to be put in place with implementation to take place. This will, therefore, call for collaboration among the CARICOM member states; and for countries to put forward their own brand.

St. Kitts author, Peter Adrien, made a presentation to a Caribbean Media Summit in 2006. In a report he stated that "Sport Tourism" calls for a paradigm shift in our conception and deve-lopment of sport in the Caribbean. And this new vision must become part and parcel of our personal, national and regional development vision.

Policy-makers must clearly define the role of recreational and commercial sports in the development strategy. The first is an imperative and forms an integral part of the programme for building a harmonious and productive society, and lays the foundation for the successful growth of the political and economic systems, while the second is selective and targeted towards foreign-exchange earning.

...Year in Review 2007

2007-12-27T19:00:00.001-06:00

Look out for the Cee Bee year in review 2007

CWC 2007
Book Launch
Jazz
Brand Jamaica
Love
Locks
...and More

Talk soon

New Chapter...in 2008

2007-12-21T07:33:00.000-06:00

As we approach 2008 (a leap year)...let us look closely at renewing our lives in a way that will impact on people in a positive way.

2008 is expected to be a great year for sport as it is the hosting of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China from August 8 - 28.

Qualifiers for World Cup 2010 (football) will begin...and lots more.

Let us support sport in a more serious way in the upcoming year and show our athletes that we care.

More time

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

2007-12-21T07:26:00.000-06:00

Sport Stars and facilities to drive Sport Tourism in Jamaica

2007-12-12T21:20:00.000-06:00

By Carole Beckford

Between August 8 and 24, 2008, lots of attention will be focused on Beijing, China for the Summer Olympic Games. Jamaica’s representation will come from a number of sporting areas, but track and field will remain the most watched.

How will Jamaica use its preparation in the upcoming year to capitalise on sport tourists to come to Jamaica? Sport tourists are becoming some of the most high-spending tourists around the world and major or well planned events are just what they want to attend.

Apart from the Summer Olympic Games, there is the World Track and Field Championship in 2009 and then the World Cup Football in 2010.

Are there any major sporting events on the calendar for 2008 to be held at the Independence Park Limited Complex; Sabina Park, Trelawny Multi Purpose Complex?
I know of Gibson Relays on February 23; Boys and Girls Championships – March 12 – 15; International Track & Field – May 3 and host of international football friendlies.

Jamaica should use its great sporting stars and institutions to lure visitors to the island, so the country can capitalise on the ever-growing sport tourism market. There must be collaboration with the agencies and personnel with the expertise to attract the visitors to watch, play and experience sport in Jamaica.

How the stars can help?

The world’s fastest man, Asafa Powell and some of his colleagues will be in Australia undergoing preparation for upcoming events. He along with other athletes should be asked to promote Jamaica as a sport tourist destination. Two hours a week should be enough for starters.

They should be given a sport map, outlining where the major facilities are, where the accommodation spaces are and important dates on the calendar, so they are armed with enough information to distribute. Some other information could include capacity of the facilities. Any other teams traveling could be brought in under this programme.

The Ministry of Tourism along with the Ministry of Sport should merge efforts to launch this programme; a good push for sport for the New Year.

Advertising at other major events

Just up north, our neighbours in the U.S.A. will as always as usual host a variety of events. The NBA All-star game will be in New Orleans, Louisiana, February 17 that should be a glorious opportunity which would require creative marketing. Then there is the US Open Tennis in New York in August another great chance.

Planning will be key to these endeavours and we ought to be very vigilant but smart in how we approach these efforts to improve our figures for tourist arrivals in Jamaica.

Sport Management Course

A ten week comprehensive course will be launched in February 2008 to look at Sport Management. The course will look at the functional areas of sport management; while identifying cultural and historical features of sport. The course will help to prepare persons who have been and are interested in planning major sporting events, in line with Jamaica’s hope to stamp a mark in this aspect of sport.

Watch this space for more information.

Note: My condolence to Herb McKenley’s family and friends. Herb lived a great life, he contributed a lot to the development of track & field and sport in Jamaica. We will miss him, but his legacy will live on.

Happy Holidays! ©

Audio Check...one, two

2007-12-05T05:01:00.000-06:00

Women in sport, rocked the Deck in Kingston on December 1

Women in Sport rocked the Deck on Saturday, December 1 when they put on their "deejay" hats for a charity event.

Patrons were apprehensive at first, but from the first deejay on stage, the Deck was 'humming' from 8:00 p.m. to midnight.

Olympian, Juliet Cuthbert opened the show with hits from Chaka Demus, major Mackerel, the late Garnett Silk, Capleton and Beenie Man. Cuthbert, with a hard set to follow, made way for swimming's technical Director, Jackie Walter.

In her introduction, Walter reminded the folks "I have an English side and a Jamaican side…tonight; I am showing you my Jamaican side." She opened with Tina Turner's 'Simply the best' and had hits from Shaggy, Soulja boy and Destra.

Hockey's Myrtle Weir turned up the heat with her soca and dancehall mix with high tempo tunes from Alison Hinds, Movado, Beenie Man and Red Plastic Bag.

Miss Caymanas Park , Milli Lynch worked the vibe with a mix of old and new and "brought sexy back"; featured Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and a range of other local hits.

Pat Garel walked down memory lane with hits from John Holt, Ben. E. King; but it was special guest deejay from Montego Bay, Janet Silvera who had the crowd rocking with her special dub plate and 30-minutes mix of new and old dancehall selections. Janet rocked from start to finish and chanted slangs in between her performance to appease the big crowd gathered.

Netball and basketball star, Oberon Pitterson charmed her way into the hearts of the people with a little bit of everything, hits from Tina Charles, Donna Summer's Hot Stuff; Barbara Streisand's Guilty; but went current with Cham, Beenie Man, Buju and Beres.

Co-host Carole Beckford, also provided a variety with hits from Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, and ended with Assassin. Dorraine Samuels Binger shared emceeing duties and handed over give-a-ways from Wray & Nephew.

Some of those who were out included, Vilma Charlton, Eleanor Jones, Wayne Smith, Del Crooks, Carole Fullerton, Judy Douglas, Sunshine girl, Nadine Bryan, Mario Pottinger out of New York and Courtney Sergeant.

The event was courtesy of Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS) in association with Jamaica Observer, HOT 102 FM, KLAS Sport Radio and the Deck.

JWISS) is a team aimed at improving opportunities for women in sport and physical education. The team is committed to promoting and increasing opportunities and roles for women at all levels. The team will campaign for change in the approach to how we approach information, education, research and training to support increased opportunities for women in sport.

Next event on the Society's agenda is a conference in April 2008.

2007-10-28T18:56:00.000-06:00

Women’s view on Physical Education and Sport ©
By Carole Beckford
October 28, 2007

With the call I have made for greater emphasis to be placed on Physical Education (PE) in the schools system in Jamaica; I did a survey a few months ago and found some startling results.

The results of the survey suggested that women over 30 years of age in Jamaica went to primary and high schools in a time when there was some amount of emphasis on PE in schools across the island.

Although the question was not asked directly, it was almost even the percentage between those who went to co-educational versus a single sex school.

PE should be done at least twice a week

Women in the age group up to 26 years of age only did physical education (PE) once a week in both primary and high schools; while women over 30 did twice a week in primary schools. The women up to 30 years are satisfied that once a week for children up to 12 (primary schools) and children up to 19 (high schools) is good enough.

The results have indicated that the women in the over 30 age group see the importance of PE/organized activities in the primary and high school systems and think there should be sessions for at least twice a week.

Some of these same women in the over 30 category did PE three times a week in high school, but it included swimming. Those women went to school in Kingston and/or boarding institutions.

When asked how often they think children should do PE in school up to 12 years old; 50 per cent said once a week; while 44 per cent of the sample thought children should do PE at least twice a week in high school up to 19 years of age.

Start organized activities from 0 – 4 years

Of the women sampled, 56 per cent suggested that children start organized activities from as early as they can walk; 38 per cent said children should start at four years, while a small six per cent said organized activities should start at nine years old.

Marilyn Wellymeyer wrote in a 1986 article for CNN that “The fitness boom has bypassed America's children. Most are fatter, many weaker and slower than they used to be, according to government surveys over the past two years. While their parents work out in record numbers, half the nation's 26 million fifth- through 12th-graders probably do not get enough exercise to develop sound hearts and lungs.”

I do not have enough evidence to say there is obesity among children problem in Jamaica, but from observation, we could do better.

In 2006, Dr. Eva Lewis Fuller of the Ministry of Health made a plea for mandatory physical activity in schools. "The recommendation really is to have the full impact of at least half an hour of physical activity three times a week at least, to have an impact in making you healthier and to increase your feeling of well being." She went on to say that “physical education is very important and should be included in the curriculum as an essential and mandatory subject.” Echoing my sentiments that PE is not extra curricular, but instead should be treated as part of the every day curriculum.
More survey findings
Of the sample of women who were questioned, 40 per cent of the women who were in the 36 to 40 years of age watch television for an average of three hours a day; only 18 per cent of that group watch for just an hour. They are in the under 30 years age group. 40 per cent of the women over 40 also watch television for more than three hours a week.
What kinds of programmes so they watch on TV? 44 per of the overall sample preferred drama while 34 per cent preferred sporting programmes, 19 per cent action and three per cent indicated they liked the soaps.
Half of the women went to three or more major sporting events a year; 31 per cent go to two 10 per cent went to one and the nine per cent does not go to any at all.
The sample was 320. The equivalent amount of men was surveyed and those findings will be submitted in my next update.

Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS)

2007-10-10T20:31:00.000-06:00

Well I am up to my old tricks...I have started yet another project, one which I think will work wonders. I have a great team of advisors, from sporting areas and marketing & communications.

Jamaica Women in Sport Society (JWISS) aims to improve opportunities for women in sport and physical education. The team is committed to promoting and increasing opportunities and roles for women at all levels. The team will campaign for change in the way we approach information, education, research and training to support increased opportunities for women in sport.

The JWISS will consist of a small team of women with experience in administration, competition, research, marketing and promotion of sport at all levels.

Main activities

• Influence and lead national, regional and international groups to ensure equity in policies, strategies and programmes in sport development
• Inform and design educational programmes to bring about a greater awareness for initiatives aimed at improving the status of women in sport
• Motivate women to pursue careers in sport
• Undertake research activities to set reference points for best practices in the sector
• Raise funds to assist women in sport

This is a fully registered BUSINESS.

SPORT TOURISM AS A NICHE MARKET FOR JAMAICA

2007-10-07T20:08:00.000-06:00

September 14

As Jamaica and the rest of the world prepare for the Summer Olympic Games scheduled for August 8 – 24, 2008 in Beijing, China, it seems that the sporting tourists will be coming to Jamaica a lot next year.

The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) has given permission for one of Jamaica’s premier event to be used as Olympic Qualifier, the Gibson Relays. That is exciting news!

The Jamaican athletes are not just the most sought after athletes to compete, but our facilities and events are being positioned to attract the best of the world. So the track and field calendar which from as early as December 2007 will have premier events with top-class athletes. Watch out for the Gibson Relays, scheduled for February 23, 2008. Also, Saturday, May 3 is the date where the Jamaica International Invitational is expected to be held.

Those events are just for track and field, but world cup football qualifier will get cracking soon and so the “office” will also be hosting additional international tournaments which will again, test our ability to host major events.

So Kingston will be buzzing soon; but what of the golf courses and the other facilities in and around the island? The community groups, agencies and other noted promoters of major sporting events should by now have dates for other major sporting events for 2008. Let’s roll them out now, if you haven’t done so already.

Use of training facilities

We have seen where athletes and their management teams have come here in the off season to prepare themselves and that is an additional plug for Jamaica. Let’s encourage them to return. The climate, clean air and the warmth of the Jamaican people are just three things why these athletes should come here to train.

Trends for 2008

Randall Travel Marketing in a 2007 publication indicated that Youth Sports Travel is a market to watch. The report indicated that 52 million Americans attended a sporting event either as a spectator or a participant in 2006. These youth also had their parents/guardians with them.

The publication has also reported that reunions do have a sport element to it and can be seen as a market to tap into. The Travel Industry Association (2007) states that “more travelers are taking two vacations per year and a sporting event is one of the many reasons.”

Jamaica therefore is well positioned to capitalize on the sport tourism market and we have the facilities, trained professionals, accommodation and other accessories for users from near and far.

Research and Development

I am asking the University of Technology (UTECH) and University of the West Indies to focus a little more attention on Sport Tourism as a course offering so the interest can be heightened. It will inform us as a nation even more.

New Sport Minister

Welcome to Ms. Olivia Grange, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sport. Let’s keep the focus on infrastructure, funding and development plans to keep Jamaica’s sport on Track. Congrats also to Neville “Teddy” McCook on being elected North America, Central America and the Caribbean (NACAC) Chairman in addition to being IAAF area representative.
Please provide feedback to cubeckford@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Andre

2007-09-22T07:13:00.000-06:00

ANDRE is 13 today, Saturday, September 22

A - active
N - neat
D - detailed (trying hard to be)
R - responsible
E - energetic

My son, Andre P. Helps

No Sun Shone for Jamaica's netball team

2007-09-17T22:12:00.000-06:00

Jamaica's Sunshine Girls suffered the biggest defeat by England in over 15 years, when they went down 52 - 32 in game one of a three test series on Monday, September 17.

The venue of the National Indoor Sport Centre, where Jamaica beat England 46 - 42 in 2003 for third place, saw England leading at the end of each quarter of the game; 10 -8: 24 - 14; 38 - 25;

As Jamaica prepares for the 12th WOrld Netball Championship scheduled for New Zealand in November 2007, they will be hard pressed to maintain the number three spot in the world. In the meantime, England has had encouraging series against South Africa, New Zealand and Australia.

Only time will tell!

On the tip of my tongue...with DICKEY

2007-09-15T11:48:00.000-06:00

Well dears,

It is right on the tip of my tongue...to tell you that Eric Jerome Dickey was in town, yes Kingston and I was there to see him live and direct.

LA, CJT and ROR...three of Dickey's greatest fans encouraged me to attend the launch of Dickey's latest "Waking with Enemies" another riveting piece from the master himself.
Well as I am sure you can well imagine, there were scores of women and men lined up to have their copies autographed. Nonetheless I never got in the line (I hate lines), but needless to say "I wuz very happy to be dere"

If you haven't read Sleeping with Strangers yet, you should...cause then you will the whole picture.

Hail to the Dickey fans!

Selah!

Course Changed...and much more

2007-09-11T05:26:00.000-06:00

Well I am sure you all know there is a new government in Jamaica. Orrett Bruce Golding becomes the island's eighth Prime Minister and will be sworn in on September 11 at 4:00 p.m.

Bruce also says if current members of the Civil Service were performing up to standard, there will be no major changes. What of the non-performers? I wait to see...

He is to announce his Cabinet soon. Let's see how they deal with sports.

Speaking of sports...Asafa Powell tried to erase the disappointment of the World Championships (Osaka); when he erased his own time to run a blistering 9:74 seconds in Reiti, Italy on Sunday, September 9. WOW! It is another world record...performance.

Singapore beat T&T in Netball - what is that all about?

England's netball team will be here in Kingston (September 16 to 21) to play against the Sunshine girls. World Netball Championship is in New Zealand in November.

Captain Horace Burrell will head JFF (again) as of November 4, 2007

Essence of Jamaican Sports

2007-08-29T21:04:00.000-06:00

Essence of Jamaican Sport
by Carole Beckford

As we watch the 2007 IAAF World Championship in Osaka, Japan, we see the best athletes in track and field in the world on show. Jamaica, a major force to reckon, has set Japan on fire with its bold energy and spark which is commonplace wherever Jamaicans go.

I heard Ludlow Watts in a radio interview state that at the training camp up to a week before the start of the championships, people journeyed up to three hours to watch the Jamaican athletes in training. That says a lot about the brand.

The essence of our sport should not only transcend what happens on the track or field of play, but also in the changing rooms and every where that athlete goes.

The question is what is the essence of Jamaican Sport? I know a lot of us have never thought about it, but I have a few suggestions.

Responsibility: taking control for one’s action and being a role model at all times under any circumstance

Respect: Recognising the contribution one makes to sport treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for property and equipment; hence ensuring safety to all

Fairness: making the most honourable decisions at all times operating within the rules and regulations and not to use any unfair advantage/tactics

These can be some bases with which we carry out the practice of physical education in schools and should also be three areas of focus for athletes (at all levels), coaches, officials, administrators, management and the general public at large.

A lot of what we practice and INVEST in as a people will have great returns. Some of the returns include:
- (more) top class athletes
- positive stories on the success of Jamaican athletes
- ability to attract more major events to Jamaica
- economic growth and development

I think if we adopt and apply the factors of responsibility, respect and fairness across the board with all the stakeholders involved then we will be able to, over a period of time, feel the positive effects in sport development in Jamaica.

The governing bodies for sport in Jamaica should seek to adopt this positive initiative as we seek to pursue our nation as a place where sport and physical education is available to all.

Jamaica has to unite on this decision as we go forward to propel sport as a sector which requires greater effort and support from all those involved.

For feedback, write to cubeckford@gmail.com

Note: Beijing will be the place to be for all elite athletes, August 8 – 24, 2008; another great year for sport on the horizon. Look out for Jamaica!

Hurricane Dean (recovery)

2007-08-24T06:54:00.000-06:00

Well Hurricane Dean has come and gone
Leaving a lot of damage, while it carried on
It missed Cayman by miles
But flashed Mexico, and left a lot of people with no smile

People came and people went
Media was here in their numbers
CNN, Weather Channel, NBC, CBS, ABC, AP, Reuters
You name them, they were here...
Carrying the news, without any CARE.

SOUTH COAST TOUR - Day one

2007-08-13T19:11:00.000-06:00

Nestled in the hills of Manchester is a town called Christiana...resting at Hotel Villa Bella...driving to Black River thru Junction, Newell, Southfield was a glorifying experience.

Fruits of allkind, melon, coconut, oranges, ripe banana...

Far from the 'hustle and bustle' of the HOT city of Kingston...it is a good get-a-way

Even a trip to Lovers Leap....Andre loved it

I will tell you more.

CB

I AM RED

2007-08-04T08:41:00.000-06:00

I did a colour profile recently and was amazed to find out that I am a red…among the blue, yellow and white. Now here is the interesting summary of who is a Red…
Disclaimer: DO NOT USE ANYTHING IN THIS AGAINST ME! The mood may change without prior notice 

You are a RED personality. The Core Motivation that drives you through life is "Power". Power means the ability to get things done, to go from A to B as quickly and directly as possible. The word power was derived from the Old French poeir meaning "to be able." Often what is perceived by the other colors as insensitive is simply a pragmatic sense of urgency to accomplish a given task.

As a RED you naturally seek productivity and want others to see you as intellectually strong. As REDS want their own way, you like to be in the driver's seat and are willing to pay the price to be in a leadership role even in an intimate relationship. However, you can get frustrated when your partner cannot think for himself or make intelligent decisions on his own.

As a RED, you tend to value whatever gets you ahead in life, whether it is at work, school, or in your personal relationships. What you value, you get done. You may be a workaholic and enjoy it!. You will, however, resist being forced to do anything that doesn't interest you.

As a RED, you like to be right. You value approval from others for your intelligence and solution-based, pragmatic style. You want to be respected even more than you want to be loved, and you appreciate admiration for your logical, practical mind.

Reds Are:
…Action oriented, independent, confident, logical, and disciplined among other things.

I want your feedback

NDTC's 45th year - celebration

2007-08-04T07:53:00.000-06:00

Jamaica's list of unmistakable talent is one which any small developing country would desire. However, since 1962, the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC) under the guidance of Prof. Rex Nettleford, has taken dance to a "new level"

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing this talented group of dancers on August 3 and they displayed an impressive arrangement of dances. The season with its usual opening in the Emancipendence period (August 1), highlights stories which are international but told in a uniquely Jamaican way. Prof Nettleford and his team of choreographers, dancers, singers and production team, lightens ones heart with song and dance.

I particularly like the "Crossing"; "Out of Many" and of course "Hill and Gully Ride"

The Crossing
It depicts the challenges of an American family with suffering, survival and separation; features music from one of America's greatest - Quincy Jones. The dancers inspired the set through dance-drama and the lighting was simply fabulous!

Out of Many
This piece was based on a quote from Nelson Mandela "Never again shall it be that this beautiful land shall ever experience oppression of one by another" - exhilarating it was and it will tease the minds of the young and free spirited (even at heart).

You know we can depend on the professor to end with a BANG and "Hill and Gully" shows the real Jamaican flavour. Choreographed by Chris Walker and accompanied by Marjorie Whylie and team...identified with taste, look and feel of the Jamaican.

So until August 12, if you are in Kingston, Jamaica and you wanna see the NDTC, it is at the little theatre, Tom Redcam Drive. Showtime is generally at 8:00 p.m.

"I will return as a dancer..."

Augus' mawning

2007-07-16T18:46:00.000-06:00

As Augus mawning approaches, we feel emancipated...from mental slavery
We will be independent. But will we?

Forty five years after
What have we really achived?

Old pirates, yes they rob I
Sold I to the marchant ships
Minutes after they took I
from ...........................

Bob's Redemption Song
Album, "Coming in from the Cold"

Excerpt from "Keeping Jamaica's Sport on Track"

2007-07-16T18:25:00.000-06:00

My Perspective

Some of those who came to the launch - from the young at heart, the curious, the influencers, those who are tried and proven and those who just wanted to be there.

Book Launch: Keeping Jamaica's Sport on Track

2007-07-03T21:52:00.000-06:00

By Lesley-Ann Thompson

Journalist, lecturer, devoted mother and ardent sport activist, Carole Beckford, added the title “author” to her growing list of accomplishments on Monday, June 25, when she launched her first book - Keeping Jamaica’s Sport on Track. This timely publication is a strong call to action for Jamaica to create a national sport strategy that will help maximize the performance of our athletes and craft a blueprint for future generations.

Attended by an enthusiastic and supportive audience, the launch was an intimate wine and cheese affair, which included the author’s family, friends and colleagues, members of the media, key principals in national sporting organizations and Olympians.

In her overview, Miss Beckford first paid homage to key individuals who helped influence her initial love for sport and named others that impacted on her subsequent activism. She then shared her reasons for deciding to write this book, stating that she felt investing in sport as a business was crucial to the country’s long-term development. In her view, sport can be used as a multi-faceted approach to solve complex social issues, encourage active citizenship and improve the general quality of life.

The Book

2007-05-27T22:06:00.000-06:00

The day is almost here
June 25 is near
That is the day I step out
Oh boy will it be a big shout...

I am EXCITED

Amazing

2007-05-14T20:26:00.000-06:00

Moms are amazing...aren't they? Well Mom hung out with us at a Brunch at My Secret Closet...Eden Garden in Kingston on Sunday, May 13. A good time was had by all

Caption: (l-r) Coleen, Andre, Mom