WESTERN BUREAU:
JAMAICA'S BID to strengthen its appeal as sports tourism destination should get further endorsement on the weekend of May 11-13 when Montego Bay plays host to the fourth renewal of the Snapple Superstars competition. "The Snapple Superstars event returning to Montego Bay for the fourth consecutive year is a tremendous endorsement for Montego Bay and Jamaica as a choice destination," said the Jamaica Tourist Board's (JTB) General Manager, Pat Samuels, one of the premier advocates of sports tourism.
In looking forward to the possible impact of the event, which has attracted a number of high profile stars from the various sporting circuits in North America, Ms. Samuels thinks the solid media coverage that is guaranteed for the event, represents a substantial source of advertisement.
"This event is expected to be viewed by millions when it is shown on ABC network prime time on Sunday, May 27," said Ms. Samuels. "This should be especially rewarding as the competitions are being described as a made for television event," she added.
While the JTB has not yet released the names of any of the competitors, indications are that the event, which attracted notable sporting stars such as former world boxing champion Lennox Lewis and former United States star footballer Alexi Lalas in the past, will be a star-studded affair.
"Indications are that we will be having eleven top athletes, who have distinguished themselves in a variety of sports such as football, swimming, boxing, basketball and skiing," said JTB official Norma Taylor. "The names of the participants will be released shortly."
The event, a joint venture between Snapple, the JTB, the Half Moon Beach Club and America Airlines, will be staged between the scenic Half Moon Golf Course, the grounds of Half Moon Hotel and on the streets of downtown Montego Bay.
On Friday (May 11), there will be a Pro-Am golf competition at the Half Moon Golf Course, described as a shotgun start over 18 holes. Bowling, a new event this year, is also scheduled for Friday's first day. On Saturday (May 12), the event is expected to intensify with kayaking, swimming, basketball and weightlifting.
Sunday, the final day, should be a major public spectacle as the event switches to the streets of downtown Montego Bay and the UDC beach, across from the Aquasol Theme Park. The day's events will include a bicycle race, a half-mile run, sea-doo races, a 100 yards dash and an obstacle course event.
The Snapple Superstars Competition is coming on the heels of the grand opening of the new Three Palm Golf Course, which local tourism interest as described as a jewel in the nation's tourism crown and one of the avenues created to open up Jamaica as a sports tourism destination.
According to Ms. Samuels, the new par 71 Three Palm Course, constructed on the historic Rose Hall Estate at a cost $5 million dollar by noted golf course architect Robert Von Hagge, qualified Jamaica as a true sporting destination for the first time. "Our ability to facilitate major sporting events means we are now able to go after another market in our bid to attract new visitors to Jamaica," said Ms. Samuels. "In addition, the international television coverage these events are able attract is most welcome."
