With the London 2012 Olympic Games just a few months away, those with a sporty mindset as the holiday season arrives may well be looking for a holiday destination that satisfies their desire to experience a variety of sporting activities amid a backdrop of background of paradise and splendor.
Ideal for satisfying the twin desires of an attractive location and a yearning for sporting activity is the island of Barbados, widely regarded as the sporting heart of the Caribbean.
Barbadians take their sports very seriously and there are a number of varied activities available on the island, including such popular options as cricket, golf, cycling, tennis and horse racing/riding, as well as others with a slightly less global appeal such as paragliding and Polo.
As a direct result of the Barbados government’s decision to introduce a sports-based tourism policy, the island’s sporting calendar is set to explode throughout the year, providing plenty of opportunities for holiday visitors to participate as spectators and active participants.
great golf
Barbados is home to an impressive collection of world-class golf courses and resorts that cater to both the recreational golfer and the more serious practitioner. Their number includes Royal Westmoreland, Sandy Lane, Rockley Golf Club, and Apes Hill Golf Club, which is also the newest in the Caribbean.
The Apes Hill Club opened its doors in December 2009 and in its short existence has built its reputation to become the premier golf destination in the Caribbean. In close correspondence with the sports enthusiasts’ desire for “splendour” mentioned above, Apes Hill can be found in the very center of Barbados, surrounded by 470 acres, a third of which is used for golf and the rest as a playground. scenic montage of meadows, woods and quarters.
A Religion Called Cricket
Barbadians treat their Cricket more like a religion than a sporting pastime, truth be told. Introduced to Barbados by the original English settlers, cricket is played on the streets with homemade bats and balls, in local competitions organized by the Barbados Cricket Association, and for visitors to the island, there are numerous cricket grounds available to give you a little practice.
If you prefer to be a spectator, the Kensington Oval (scene of the 2007 Cricket World Cup), home of the West Indies cricket team, is the place to be seen. Only the best players from the Caribbean are selected for the West Indies team and many famous names have bent their craft in this area of the world, including the legendary Malcolm Marshall, Desmond Haynes and Garry Sobers.
Welcome to water sports
The crystal clear waters and abundance of water sports are likely to draw many to the coastal regions for kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and surfing.
Unsurprisingly, Barbados is no slouch in the watersports provider department with Barbados Blue Watersports, based in Needham’s Point, offering a professional service for both the experienced and novice as they experience the thrill of water sports. waves and wonder. underwater escapades.
A true paradise for a sports addict, discovering Barbados means discovering yourself.
