Jamaica, home of sprint king and queen Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, and famous for her inspirational bobsleigh team, has launched Jamaica Sport, an initiative to develop sports tourism and diversify the island’s tourism offerings. Chaired by businessman and corporate executive Chris Dehring, the committee has as its mandate to bring more sport-focused events to Jamaica, boost tourist arrivals and position the island as a major sport destination.

“As a country, we are well-known for our rich sporting legacy, whether for our remarkable successes or our indomitable spirit, especially in the sporting arena” said Paul Pennicook, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “The dominance of our athletes, including sprinters, cricketers, netballers, swimmers and footballers has been tremendous, but it is this achievement in combination with the ‘can-do’ attitude of our bobsledders that defines a sporting culture found only in Jamaica.”

During 2015, a number of sporting events will be held in Jamaica, which visitors or sports enthusiasts can experience. A sampling of events includes:

·JSP High Mountain Coffee 10K (January 26)
The annual race (Inaugurated 1983) staged by the Jamaica Standard Products Company Limited is one of the largest and most challenging yet popular road races in Jamaica. The event takes place in central Jamaica in the cool hills of Mandeville. Now in its 32nd year, the day begins with the 5K Run and 5K Walk designed for the fitness conscious individual, followed by the most challenging yet exhilarating 10K Race taking runners up to 1,200ft above sea level where they experience some of Jamaica’s freshest air and pristine beauty.

·Pineapple Cup (February 6-February 15)
Starting just outside of Fort Lauderdale, this ocean-racing classic will take competitors on a challenging all-points-of-sail course, stretching the 811 nautical miles to Jamaica’s Montego Bay. Established in 1961, the Pineapple Cup is one of the marquee offshore sailboat races in the world. At the finish, sailors will be treated to a week of cocktail parties, steel bands, limbo dancing, ending with a dinner and dance prize-giving ceremony on February 15.

·Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival (February 16-February 22)
The Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival is a week-long mountain biking extravaganza that highlights Jamaica’s unique, vibrant culture. Held annually, the Festival opens with a welcome and registration party on the evening of February 16 at John Crow’s Tavern, located in the heart of Ocho Rios. The festival features the Jamaican Downhill, the XC National Championship and plenty of live entertainment to wrap up the activities.

·Kingston City Run (March 13-15)
Jamaica’s capital city, Kingston, comes alive during the weekend 5K race/walk and half marathon. The Kingston City Run route highlights the city’s historic sites and the festivities include a Health and Wellness Fair and After Party. Weekend packages are available for travelers to visit Kingston, enjoy the sights and night-time activities while also participating in the Run.

·Jamaica International Invitational (May 9)
The Jamaica International Invitational, features some of the best international and local athletes at the National Stadium in Kingston. This annual track and field competition, first held in 2004, now forms part of the IAAF World Challenge Meetings.

·South Coast Hook & Line Canoe Tournament (October 18-20)
The three-day competition is where local fishermen vie for prizes by catching the largest fish using only the traditional fishing method of a simple hook and line. No fancy yachts or first world equipment are seen at this grassroots event. The weekend also includes other events, such as a boat race, local talent show, fish fry and a community beach party.

·Reggae Marathon (December 5)
The Reggae Marathon & Half Marathon is Jamaica’s premier international marathon event. Seasoned marathoners, sports enthusiasts and novice racers converge in Negril for an exciting event characterized by good vibes and plenty of Reggae. Included in the registration is the infamous “World’s Best Pasta Party,” an all-you-can-eat feast with pasta dishes, traditional Jamaican cuisine, free beer and an open bar.

Jamaica Tourist Board, www.visitjamaica.com