“You can’t put a limit on anything, the more you dream, the farther you get.” Michael Phelps.

To celebrate the role that sport plays in our lives, Barbados, the sporting mecca of the Caribbean, is proclaiming 2017 as their ‘Year of Sport’. Renowned for its plethora of international sporting icons and achievements, more and more sports teams are choosing to play, train, and coach on the stunning island of Barbados.

“Barbados has always had a long standing passion for sports and outdoor activities and, in 2017 we are really happy to celebrate this aspect of our culture and, to fully integrate our year-long sports calendar with our Tourism messaging,’ said Cheryl Carter UK Director of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

Carter added, ‘In addition to some of the better known events such as the Run Barbados Marathon Series in December, Sir Garry Sobers Golf Championship in April and Sol Rally Barbados in June . We are really exciting about the inclusion of a number of new sports events such as The Barbados Cycling Festival in September and, The Dragon World Stand-Up Paddling Championship in October, which we are sure that our visitors from the UK and Ireland will thoroughly enjoy!

The unrivalled combination of year-round sunshine, extensive coastline, and numerous sporting arenas, offering all types of activities, makes Barbados the perfect location for an active vacation. For those looking to relax and enjoy a favourite activity as a spectator, there are several events to choose from, here are just a few of the highlights coming up in 2017.

Barbados Polo Season:

The Polo season runs through until May and is played to an extremely high level, with several first-class matches between visiting international and local teams taking place at one of Barbados’ four grounds. One of the highlights is the Holders Polo season, which attracts quality-visiting teams and has helped Barbados establish a significant foothold on the international polo map.

Surfing

As a premier surfing destination with an exquisite coastline, Barbados hosts two popular surfing events on the island that are not to be missed. WSL Surfing Championships: From April 11 - 16 Barbados will host the Qualifying Series 3,000 event for both men and women. The first of its kind on the island the event will showcase some of the world’s best surfers battling it out for the top spots. Barbados Independence Pro Surf Festival: This festival comprises of two competitions: The Independence Surf Pro and the Caribbean Junior Championships on November 9 - 12.  Expect to see great surfing from internationally acclaimed surfers at these two premium international events. This four-day festival will also include fun activities in the sun with surf demonstrations, bikini contests, music, art and craft and so much more.

Sir Garry Sobers Golf Championship

With year-round weather conditions that are ideal for golf and a fine selection of world-class golf courses and facilities, Barbados is quickly becoming a leading golf destination in the Caribbean. From April 27 - 30 the legendary Barbadian Cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers hosts one of the biggest golfing events in Barbados, a four-day golf tournament across four of Barbados’ top golf courses, sharing his love of sport with everyone involved.

Golden Oldies Cricket Festival

2017 marks the first time this event will take place in the Caribbean, with over 100 teams participating in the event between May 7 - 14. An international tournament for semi professionals and retired players encourages teams to enjoy friendly competition, sunny weather, excellent beaches, nightlife and adventure!

Ninja Throwdown

Following the success of its inauguration last year, the Ninja Throwdown is back, taking place on May 20. This exciting event involves a gruelling obstacle course that challenges even the toughest of fitness fanatics. The brainchild behind the event is Delano Hinds who was a participant at the American Ninja Warrior Series in June 2014.

Sol Rally Barbados

The biggest international motor sport event in the Caribbean, Sol Rally Barbados is among the most high-profile annual events in the sports-tourism mix in Barbados. This year will be even more special as the organisers - Barbados Rally Club celebrates its 60th anniversary this year taking place from June 2 – 4.  This international All –Stage Rally attracts over 100 crews from around the world whist bringing together a broad spectrum of enthusiastic fans. It is staged over one weekend, with more than 20 special stages spread across the island.

Barbados Hockey Festival

One of the more popular sports festivals in Barbados, the Barbados Hockey Festival is happening on August 20 – 26, and is considered the largest Field Hockey Tournament in the Caribbean. This premier tournament attracts teams from around the Caribbean, North and South America and Europe. It’s a fun and exciting tournament, embraced by the warm and friendly hospitality of the Bajan spectators.

The Barbados Festival of Cycling

The first of its kind on the island, the festival is geared towards cycling enthusiasts. The event will feature a mix of road cycling activities culminating in a Round the Island Sportive entitled the Barbados 360, and Mountain Bike (MTB) trail rides culminating with a MTB race event. The road cycling event will comprise four days of cycling to various locations, an event village, and two courses to choose from – the Barbados 360 Gold (112km route) and the Barbados 360 Silver (64km route).

Dragon World Championship

The first ever-dedicated paddle board team racing event is taking place on Carlisle Bay on the 28 – 30 October. The Dragon World Championships will be unlike any other you’ve experienced mixing fast, fun racing with a party vibe like no other. There will be several divisions enabling people of all ages and abilities to take part. This will be the ultimate paddleboard event. With celebrations and entertainment throughout the day and running on late into the night.

Run Barbados Marathon

For a running fanatic or an amateur there’s something for everyone at this road race series on December 1 - 3. Runners can take part in various events including the Fortress Half Marathon, the Marathon Relay and the Cave Shepherd Relay. For an interesting backdrop join in on a 5k or 10k running tour of the city and race past Barbados’ historic landmarks. The end of the marathon will definitely be worth it, with a fun run into the sea to cool down once you’ve crossed the finish line. Celebrating its 35th edition this year, the marathon attracts some of the world's top runners to compete.

For more information on the ‘Year of Sport’ 2017 in Barbados

Please visit: www.visitbarbados.org 

For all media enquiries contact: Essence Communications

Naomi Atkins/Naomi@essence-communications.com/0203 297 7481