Leading cricket writer George Dobell gives the lowdown on the remarkable variety of sports on Barbados.
It remains one of the wonders of the sporting world that Barbados, an island barely 20 miles long and “a smile wide”, has produced so many magni?cent cricketers.
Sir Garry Sobers, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Des Haynes, Gordon Greenidge and the “Three Ws” (Walcott, Weekes and Worrell) are just a few of those to emerge from the tiny coral island and the passion for cricket in Barbados remains undimmed.
The island offers plentiful opportunities to watch and play good-quality cricket.
Kensington Oval, referred to locally as “the Mecca of cricket”, has recently undergone an impressive redevelopment but remains steeped in history. Not only did the ground host the ?rst English touring side to the region in 1895, but it also hosted the ?rst combined West Indies side, against the MCC in 1910-11.
At one stage, West Indies went undefeated at the venue for 59 years and, in recent times, Kensington Oval hosted the 2007 World Cup Final — when Adam Gilchrist thrashed a century off just 72 balls — and England’s triumph in the World Twenty20 ?nal of 2010.
Four English counties (Hampshire, Yorkshire, Warwickshire and Derbyshire) will be touring Barbados in March as part of their pre-season preparations while, in November, the island hosts the CLOBI (Cricket Legends of Barbados Inc) Cup. The event, loosely inspired by the masters events so popular in tennis and golf, features former greats of the game.
Even if there’s no cricket at the ground, there is a museum, the Legends of Barbados, just across the road which is worth a visit (www.cricketlegendsofbarbados.com).
Meanwhile, clubs and schools, attracted by the excellent facilities and friendly greeting, have made Barbados the venue of choice for once-in-a-lifetime tours. The Sir Gar?eld Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament has run every July for more than 25 years and continues to produce and develop talent — Brian Lara and Alastair Cook are among those who came to prominence in the event.
But the island offers far more than just cricket. Making full use of its clear, warm waters, it is also a superb venue for those interested in sailing, sur?ng and ?shing.
One of the highlights of the sailing calendar is taking place today, January 21: the Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race (www.mountgayrumroundbarbadosrace.com)has, since the 19th century, seen yachts circumnavigating the island in a battle sponsored by the oldest rum-maker in the world. It’s a 70-mile challenge with tough conditions off the rugged east coast.
In May, the Mount Gay Regatta takes place in Carlisle Bay for several different classes of boat; it’s great for spectators. And, if you are going to be in Barbados early in 2013, you may witness the magni?cent sight of the arrival of classic sailing vessels that will have come all the way from Portugal in the inaugural Classic Transatlantic Race.
Meanwhile, the sea attracts anglers from across the globe. Tournaments are held frequently, with some ?shermen reeling in 500lb marlin (barbadosgame?shing.com).
The island is great for surfers and kite-surfers of all abilities. Atlantic waves travel about 3,000 miles before crashing into the east coast. The Soup Bowl in Bathsheba is a favoured spot for the more experienced and is rated by Kelly Slater, the world champion surfer, as one of the top three sur?ng destinations in the world.
International events take place regularly – the main one occurs in November – while less experienced surfers can build up their con?dence in various south-coast locations.
Equine sports are popular in Barbados. The racecourse at Garrison Savannah, where George Washington once stayed for several weeks, has hosted meetings for more than 150 years. The most prestigious, the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, is staged each March (www.barbadosturfclub.org). Sir Michael Stoute, the successful racehorse trainer of Shergar and many of the Queen’s horses, is Bajan.
Since the 19th century, when British cavalry of?cers took advantage of the island’s rich, green grass to hone their horsemanship, polo has been popular in Barbados. Many celebrities and even a few royals — including Prince Harry — have been attracted by the ?ve excellent polo ?elds. Overseas teams visit oftenand competitive games take place regularly (www.barbadospoloclub.com).
The tranquillity of the green monkeys in the trees above Barbados’s normally quiet lanes is disturbed each June for the Caribbean’s biggest motorsport event. Dating back more than 20 years, the Sol Rally Barbados is enjoying an increasing number of international entries (www.rallybarbados.bb).
The island boasts several ?ne golf courses while the Banks International Hockey Festival draws teams from around the world each August. Athletics is popular, too, with the Barbados Marathon (www.runbarbados.org) taking place in December, while in 2009 Ryan Brathwaite underlined the improvement in facilities on the island by winning Barbados’s ?rst World Championship gold when taking the 110 metres hurdles in Berlin.
Barbados also runs sports camps each August (www.barbadossportscamp.com) for young fans of cricket, football and netball. Star coaches such as Mark Bright and Des Haynes coach children aged from nine to 17 — locals or tourists. The emphasis is ?rmly on fun, but the chance to learn from sporting greats promises an unforgettable experience. Best of all, it’s free.
The more sedate may simply prefer a game of dominoes. Locals will welcome your involvement at the many rum shops. You’re bound to ?nd a sport to suit you and, in the perfect climate and with such friendly participants, it’s hard to think of a better environment in which to enjoy it.
(Source http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/travel/barbados-holidays/9038581/Barbados-sport.html)
