Kingston City Marathon will enhance Kingston as a sport tourism destination

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Kingston’s hosting of its first IAAF/AIMS certified marathon on Sunday, March 17 is just another product that can serve as a great addition to its sport tourism product.

The marathon which is deemed appropriate in the wellness segment of the overall sport tourism product. Donovan White, Director of Tourism highlighted some of the global trends in his keynote address at the media launch of the Kingston City Marathon on Wednesday (January 16).

(l-r) Nicola Madden-Greig, Devon Samuels, Alan Beckford, Chris Jarrett, Donovan White.

The Director made some key points:

• There were 830 million wellness trips in 2017, this was equivalent to 17 per cent of all tourism revenues
• Wellness tourism is set to grow 7.5 per cent through to 2022
• The estimated earnings from wellness travel is estimated to reach $919 billion by 2022
• There is an average spend of $1,528 per trip for a wellness tourist, this represents 53 per cent more than the average tourist

“Jamaica now hosts two marathons almost four months apart, this is a clear opportunity,” according to the Director.

The Director was quick to point out the already established products of Kingston – great music, food and other exciting sporting events will be enhanced by the Kingston City Marathon, which he suggested that “marathons are a huge draw for sport tourists and have the potential to generate millions of dollars for the host city of Kingston.”

Race Ambassadors with Race Director

Co-Chair, Nicola Madden-Greig, in highlighting the announcements for this year’s running explained the partnership with the Miami Marathon where winners from both events will be entered in each other’s events free of charge. “Jamaica will exhibit and participate at this year’s Miami Marathon as part of our global outreach to encourage patrons to enter the Jamaican event in Kingston.”

Registration is on the www.kingstoncityrun.com link. Early bird registration ends on January 31.

The 5k will feature some of our younger generation – Holy Family Primary was in the house

#RunDiCity #FeelDiVibes fff

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Emceeing is a real job

An emcee is a host or facilitator of an event. So whether it is a conference, seminar, workshop, stage show or even a political conference, the role of an emcee is to ensure the audience is engaged and made to understand what the event is all about.

What does that mean? The emcee sets the tone, warms up the audience and ensure one items flows smoothly from one to the other.

That therefore means, the emcee has to be prepared. Research, background information and even access to the stage and venue are key things to ensure an emcee’s job happens without any major issue.

As the event organizer, you MUST provide the emcee with the following:

• History of the event
• List of presenters with bio-data
• List of performers with bio-data
• Guests and status for salutations
• Date for a visit to the venue before the event

This job of an emcee is one that is a paid gig. Make no mistakes.

The emcee has to prepare and be appropriately dressed for the occasion. The emcee also has to have reliable transportation. There are some rules that apply:

• Evening/Night events must include accommodation
• Day events should attract parking close to the venue’s stage, room
• A liaison should be assigned to the host to ensure back up (this may vary from a running order printed, with corrections, bottled water at room temperature
• Ensure there is proper seating close to the stage or at an appropriate place backstage
• If a wardrobe change is needed, ensure there is sufficient access with facilities

Finally, arrange for a sound check an hour before the event.

An emcee, can opt to have a deposit of up to 50 per cent before event and final payment must be made on the day of the event.

Enjoy the evening!

2018 – The Year I became 50

Laughter.

Plenty gatherings with friends.

SPORTING events.

Family time.

Music (live and recorded)

…were just some of the highlights of 2018 for me;

The year I turned 50.

The unplanned way in which all this (and more) happened

Was exactly how I wanted it to be.

The opportunity and privilege to just get up and go:

• Arnold Palmer Invitational (to see Tiger Woods)
• Kaya Fest (to see the Marleys and other great Reggae Acts)
• To celebrate 40 with my Sister
• To dive deeper into Self Care

… were just some of the thrilling encounters I experienced,

The year I turned 50.

I posted a lot about #GivingThanks and #Focus – some ideas of joy I try to spread daily.

In between that, it was also the year, I hosted more soirees at my home. It was time well spent, the year I turned 50.

Up to August, I wasn’t sure what the actual day (December 1) would be like,

But as the time got closer, the day formed its own vibe.

Joyful. Exciting. Glorious. Thankful. Grateful – were just some of the words that can describe,

The Day I turned 50.

Well, it is that time of year, when one reflects to refresh,

And based on how the preceding days were, one looks ahead.

I remain grateful and thankful and will always care…

The year I turned 50.

Here’s to 2019!

One Love!

March 2019 is Marathon Month in Kingston

When one thinks of the city of Kingston, lots of things come to mind. However, what we want you to think about is what will March 2019 bring.

So far, there are a few important events we have confirmed for the month:

• Boys and Girls Champs – March 26 – 30
• Melbourne (Cricket Club) 5K – March 5
• Long walk to Freedom (Buju Banton) – March 16
• And… The Kingston City Marathon (weekend), March 15 – 17

You then ask yourself, how am I going to do all of this in Jamaica for the whole month of March when I don’t have all that time off?

My choice for you is to come to the Kingston City Marathon www.kingstoncityrun.com and you will get the greatest experience ever.

The weekend’s event will have a welcome (Friday) and an after-party. There will an exhibition on lifestyle and wellness (Saturday) and then there are the races – 5K, 10K, ½ marathon, full marathon (Sunday) (IAAF/Aims certified). The races will take you through some of the historical sites across the city which has been declared one of UNESCO’s Creative City. Also, only recently, reggae has been added to the cultural heritage list. Kingston has a lot to offer to every discerning visitor from home and abroad.

The experience will be diverse. It will have the best of the people of Jamaica. The most sumptuous and tasty food; the best music selections you will hear anywhere in the world; great accommodation – even an hour away in Ocho Rios and the race you will choose to run to relax and to add to your bucket list.

The partnerships established for the Kingston City Marathon will serve not just the business side of the city but will focus its attention of building its Corporate Social Responsibility profile with its continuous support of its charities. You will find the options to support at this link http://www.kingstoncityrun.com/v2/charities/

This 7^th running of the event, while attempting to attract global participation, will have a special focus on the Caribbean and the Project Team has created an opportunity to highlight the top Caribbean winners in each race category. You may even see a Caribbean performer at the after-party.

So, think about this from my view. You have vacation. You have some extra money left over from Christmas. And all the bills are covered – make it Kingston, Jamaica, March 14 – 18 and you will get to have the experience of a lifetime.

Call up your favorite travel agent and secure airline seats and hotel rooms and sign up for the run www.kingstoncityrun.com – you will thank me.

Feel Di Vibes!

#OneLove

Kingston City Marathon – 2019

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Organizers of the Kingston City Marathon (KCM) are looking to surpass 5,000 competitors for its series of raceswith just over 90 days until race day.

Theevent will also seek to recognize “Caribbean Stars” – male and female winners for the first time in 2019. Co-Chair, Nicola Madden-Greig, made the disclosure at a local organizing committee meeting on Wednesday (December 12).

“As part of our efforts to target competitors from the Caribbean region, we plan tohighlight winners from the region in the inaugural marathon event. This is an important event for Kingston and we are hoping to attract competitors from across the globe.”

The event, which is in its seventh year, “is part of what Kingston has to offer, and we are putting out all the stops for a successful event,” noted Madden-Greig.

The Kingston City Marathon is an IAAF/AIMS-certified marathon which allows competitors to use their times to qualify for other international events. 

The three-day event (March 15 – 17) will include a 5k, 10K and the full marathon; in addition to an Expo with a focus on wellness and lifestyle; there will also be a welcome reception and an after-party to complement the weekend’s activities.

Registration remains open at www.kingstoncityrun.com

Public Life – Manage it

It is always going to be tough being a public figure, much less an international superstar. What that status means is: 

1. You are a subject of discussion for a lot of people 
2. Some will like you, some won’t 
3. Media will dig deep in your past; they will use it as they deem fit – remember sensationalism sells 
4. If the status comes with increased earnings, you will have more friends and family members 
5. The rules change. 

Here are some tips to stay aware, but to help you cope 

1. Surround yourself with a (small) team that will tell you the truth 
2. Heed the advice 
3. Focus on the reason you got the status and keep working on it to improve 
4. Every now and again, take a break from all the “noise” 
5. Never be afraid to get professional help

The more you give, the more people expect. 

Just thought, I’d share these thoughts. 

#OneLove 

Jamaica: Stay in the Game

Jamaica’s records on and off the field can stand any test globally. In 70 years, theisland would have compiled some of the world’s best. That is an accomplishment no one can challenge successfully.

That said, the global sporting industry has grown exponentially and Jamaica’sname, though still pretty much, favored, must ensure its competitiveness is secure.

How will that happen? There are specific areas of interest in the blend of the sport and business mix that must be prioritized to facilitate the improvement and earnings over the next decade. In that context I am offering some suggestions:

1. Revive the National Sports Council – one that oversees the rationalized Sporting bodies
2. Focuson
   1. Planning
   1. Technical Development
   1. Marketing of the destination as an international sport venue
   1. Hosting events that are
      1. Commercially viable
      1. Has global (targeted market) reach
   1. Influence curricula in schools and universities that are geared to look at management and administration of the industry
   1. Technological tools aimed at disseminating content on sport for the new-age consumer

The recent appointment of the boards that govern sport in Jamaica highlights gaps and I am hoping at some point we will have access to folks who can offer advice on these areas that add value for the full benefit to the nation.

The National Sport Policy identifies so many of the key areas I have mentioned, and while we should congratulate policy leaders on their work so far on insurance, upgrade of some facilities; the investment should be made to build the capacity of an industry that can generate a significant portion of wealth for athletes, administrators, supportpersonnel; while shining an abundance of positive news about the island.

I am therefore suggesting to the powers that be, that over the December break a thorough look be taken on these things

• What national teams (sporting disciplines) will we seek to send to any international events between 2019 and 2023
• How will funding goals be achieved and the implementation of the financial models for its success
• Spend time to have discussions with institutions that know (conferences, workshops, seminars)
• Revert to the quarterly meetings with national sporting bodies

There are alot of things that work in our favor and a few that don’t. Let us sit and talk this through. Put all feelings aside and show how when teams get on the court/field to play we play to win, and we go home… until we have practice/games. That is how a successful team works.

Let’s STAY the GAME… for Jamaica. 

Music is the path to one’s soul

When you are from the place where there is undisputable talent in music and sport, you kinda feel on top of the world wherever you go. Well, I do. And every chance I get I make people know I am Jamaican. I am never ashamed. Even with some of the drama we get into… I use the situations in anecdotes where appropriate and I LAUGH. It is what we are, and because I would not have it any other way. I live with it; I also do the best I can to improve those around me.

Anyway, this post is really about music and what it does to keep my soul in shape.

As a child, I collected records, yes, those circular things that plays on a turntable. I still do, by the way, and I still have a turntable. Those were fun days. My allowance in those years in the 70s and 80s were largely spent on records and books, yes books, I had to read.

I collected the best from Bob, Third World , Vic Taylor, Dennis, Gregory, Marcia, Alton, Beres, Boris, Phyllis Dillion, Pam and Woody, I could go on. For the foreign acts, it was Michael (The Jacksons), Commodores (more Lionel); Earth Wind and Fire, Marvin (all-time favorite), Percy Sledge, Ben E King (the Drfiters), Stylistics, Chilites and Teddy P, to name a few. This Magic Moment

On Sundays, we had a play list of Perry Como, Jim Reeves, Skeeter Davis, Louis Lamour, Dean Martin and then we watched the Matinee. Won’t say much more here, as I am sure you get my drift.

If you are 45 and over you would have this at home

In the 75 – 79 years, I chose dance as a hobby. And we had the most amazing time at the Ewarton Primary School. Donna Summer was on top of the list with some Caribbean calypso and music for maypole. Yes man, I was right in there. Selene, Georgette, Michelle topped the list of artful movers!

As I started going to public events (live shows), I got to appreciate some more artistes and here comes the DJs – Josey Wales, Admiral Bailey, Super Cat; the singers Barrington Levy, Freddie, Dennis, Leroy and the list goes on. Marcia Griffiths was always top-notch. 

So far, after you have read this, you must be wondering, where she got time to study and all those things, well, I am here, and I don’t think I did too badly. Anyway…

Live Shows were a must now in the 90s – every drum knock I was there – yard and foreign. And then the LOVE for Jazz kicked in really good. It was no longer just Sunday music. Jazz became the “savior of my soul” – it became my go to music when I needed comfort, joy and some peace.

So, I did research on some, who have become my favorites – John Coltrane John Coltrane , Miles Davis, Chris Botti, Rod Stewart (he has a wicked selection. When you have time, listen to the Great American Songbook – Volumes I to III. I would go far to listen to jazz. I did New Orleans. I have most of what Grover Washington Jr has ever done. I even met his daughter.

Got a little into Ella and Frank too. In the mid to late 90s and early 2000s I invested some time into jazz groups – Four Play, Spyro Gyra (they came to Jazz Festival in Jamaica) I was overjoyed. Now, thanks to YouTube, you can create your own playlist of any kind of music. My Jazz list comes from Motown and the Breakfast songs.

Could not end this blog without talking about the R&B, Soulful folks. Listening to Lalah Hathaway, Donny Hathaway, Randy Crawford, Anthony Hamilton & Kem gives me life. When I am in a troublesome mood, I go for Jill Scott, Angie Stone Brian McKnight.

The point is, I am not sure what I would do if I did not have music. It has really lined my soul with joy, peace and comfort.

Lots of others to mention. But, one day, I will take you down the dancehall path I trod. The excitement and drive the rhythms that dancehall takes you are like no other. Music is a thrill to the soul of man (in this case woman). I keep adding to my list.

Try listening to Daniel Caesar Best Part , he is groovy and exciting.

Until next time…

More eyes on Women’s Sport

Women’s Sports have been exposed to wider television audiences globally in the last two years.

With the Women’s World Cup of Football set to take place in June 2019, FIFA is pulling out all the stop to ensure the viewership is maximized. The 2015 edition broke records https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/record-breaking-fifa-women-s-world-cup-tops-750-million-tv-viewers-2745963

The upcoming Women’s World T20 in the Caribbean (November 9 – 24) – the ICC has announced that the first stand-alone Championship will have its widest coverage ever. The live broadcast to over 200 countries around the world is a first. Last year the ICC World Cup had over 180 million watching the final. Read more details here https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-releases/901354

ICC Photo

 That is great news for women’s sport globally.

Back in the Caribbean though, Guyana, St Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda, will be on show to the rest of the world. The first stand-alone event will present an opportunity this November. The WINDIES Women will be playing at “home” and will have as good as any to win again as they are the defending champions.

The three countries had submitted successful bids and won the right to this event. The preliminary round will be in Guyana and St Lucia; while the semi-finals and FINAL will be in Antigua and Barbuda. Have a look at the fixtures 

While the focus will be on cricket performances on the field; the ICC and its partners have a legacy program in place – Mothers and Daughters (MAD) where women are being encouraged to get more involved in the game, on and off the field https://www.icc-cricket.com/news/886468

In other sporting news, the WTA signed a new deal to bring more women’s tennis to the Tennis Channel https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/01/sports/tennis/wta-tv-rights.html

Lots of other great opportunities for women in sport, 2018 and beyond.

 #TheFutureIsFemale

The World comes to the West Indies – November 2018

PE and Sport – redefining the game

ANTIGUA – The fact that Physical Education and Sport are now being recognized rightfully as an academic course and business respectively – this has opened discussions which are highlighting the lack of understanding of the subject areas.  

I would clearly state here:

·         There is a difference between Physical Education and Sport

·         Physical Education now has for the last 11 years, exams at the highest level from CSEC and has been offered at the CAPE level

·         Sport, through its competition has been known to impact on a society – socially, economically, psychologically, people management

·         Sport Business worldwide is valued at close to a trillion dollars

Based on some recent debates, there may be suggestions that sport is being overused in high schools; is distracting the institutions from their core work; is damaging the reputation of students.

While there are some truths, there are also arguments to support the benefits of being involved in sport at some level, either directly or even as a supporter.

My argument is, the rest of the education system needs to catch so it can efficiently and effectively manage its portfolio, which includes Physical Education. The study of Physical Education is academic, it looks closely of the study of the relationship with mind, body and soul. What about that isn’t academic?

Then Sport is the competitive, strategic and now economic viability of PE aimed at generating wealth, equality and recognition for people and country.

We treat tradition as tradition and think we should not adjust, because that is what it is…tradition. But the non-traditional PE and Sport, having become more user-friendly has used the traditional methods to overtake its competition (pun intended). That process is dynamic, some of us are still stuck in the normal mode and not realizing the potential of equality in the education system where we all can benefit.

Picture this, a school, college, university where the best of the traditional and non-traditional meets…the athletes in any of those institutions are managed by their peers in the traditional line. Where the community stadium is managed by the people there and the earnings are spent there to improve services, accessories and the lives of people. What about this don’t we get?

The Business Model has been presented over and over, but there are ways to capture this. One must first allow themselves to be open to new and innovative ways of doing business, and sport is one such way.

Research has also shown that sport can be used as ‘soft power’ for a nation such as Jamaica which continues to battle with its economic activities. I could make the same justification for music and entertainment.

Education needs to be redefined in Jamaica as part of a community where Parents, Teachers, Community Leaders forge partnerships with the students to build a nation. I challenge the Ministry of Education to create this model for growth for education. Be open to ideas that work and use people who are capable to manage. STEP in the Game!