Jamaica Travel News

Chukka Caribbean Musher to Compete in Iditarod

Following his recent sign up in Alaska, Jamaican musher Newton Marshall (who we met in May when we in Jamaica for JAPEX) looks set to build on the island’s tradition of excellence in winter adventure sports. Under the guidance of three-time Iditarod, four-time Yukon Quest champion and two-time ESPN/ESPY “Toughest Athlete” nominee Lance Mackey, Marshall will begin preparation to test his skills in the 2010 Iditarod, also called "The Last Great Race."

Marshall who had his start at Chukka Caribbean Adventures is the first Jamaican and Caribbean musher to enter the race and has his sights set on building on the success of the Jamaican bobsleigh team which first participated in the Winter Olympic Games in 1988. While Marshall will be a rookie racing the Iditarod, he has proved he is qualified to face his toughest test, having completed the grueling Yukon Quest and winning the coveted ‘Challenge of the North Award’ for best exemplifying the spirit of the Yukon Quest.

Mackey is delighted to be given an opportunity to work with Marshall and the Jamaica Dogsled Team. “Newton has proved himself to be courageous and able to beat the odds as he did at the Yukon Quest. I am proud to be part of the team that will see Newton complete the last great race on earth,” said Mackey.

Marshall, one of Jamaica’s newest sports ambassadors is excited to be working with Mackey and has his sights set on blazing a trail next year in Anchorage. “It is a real honor to represent Jamaica in this non-traditional sport, whose beginnings were in helping children. I am looking forward to working with Lance and his kennel in making Jamaica proud,” noted Marshall.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism John Lynch has high praises for Marshall who he stressed has achieved a feat no Jamaican or Caribbean national has ever done. The Tourism Director believes Marshall will place Jamaica’s name in yet another chapter in sporting history and a winter sport at that.

“Jamaica’s long and distinguished history in sports is well-known and it is heartening that a new ambassador has emerged in a non-traditional sport, as we seek to find creative and innovative ways to promote our destination in a challenging economic period. Visitors to Jamaica can also get a taste of the dog sled experience at Chukka Caribbean in Ocho Rios, one of our major attractions.” said John Lynch, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.

The 2010 Iditarod begins next March in Anchorage, Alaska.

Labels: Ocho Rios

posted by Paris and John @ 4:49 PM