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JAMAICANS ARE NOW MUSHING AROUND!
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OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA
December 8, 2005
Chukka Caribbean Adventures is once again proving to be a trendsetter in the local attractions arena with plans of yet another exciting tour which will continue to keep the island fresh for the over 2.4 million visitors who continue to select Jamaica as their holiday destination of choice each year.
In June 2005, local visionary Danny Melville spearheaded a mission to send Devon Anderson, Chukka’s Operations Manager, to the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre in the Highlands of Scotland to learn more about dry-land sled-dog racing and the care and training of sled dogs. Devon was selected because of his unique ability/connection with animals, especially horses and dogs. He was lauded by his trainer, expert ‘Musher’ Alan Stewart, as “a natural” with the sled dogs. Stewart recommended that Jamaica take the bold step of sending a team to the biggest sleddog event in Europe, the Aviemore Sleddog Rally in January 2006. “Devon is actually quite good,” commented Stewart “he has an excellent chance of winning a medal in the championship”.
Devon’s presence in Scotland caught the interest of the local and national press and there were several stories in the print media about his journey to Scotland.
The Jamaica Dogsled Team was born. After an intense training period, Devon went on to participate in the North Star Sled Dog Club Fall Fun Run, in Mahtowa, Minnesota, where he created quite a stir in sled dog circles standing out as a Musher from the Caribbean.
“This has turned out to be much more than an opportunity to offer a dynamic new tour at Chukka Caribbean” said Danny Melville founder of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, “it is a chance for Jamaica to once again command the attention of the world in a sport that is traditionally a winter sport”. Reggae pioneer Chris Blackwell lauded the idea as “terrific idea and wonderful publicity for Jamaica.”
In December 2005, international recording idol and principal in the infamous Margaritaville chain, Jimmy Buffett announced his sponsorship of the Jamaica Dogsled Team. “What is it about this island’s infatuation with the cold?” exclaimed Jimmy, “I missed out on the bobsled years - I don’t intend to miss out on this one. Besides, I can’t wait to yell “Mush Mon” in support of our team”. With Buffett on board, parrot-heads all over the world will soon be cheering for the Jamaica Dogsled Team.
Training is in high gear in the local dogsled camp at Chukka Cove Farm in Ocho Rios. Trainers from Scotland and Minnesota have spent weeks on island setting up facilities for the dogs, race trails and introducing a training programme for nine local dogs - six of which are welfare dogs from the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA).
In January 2006, Devon will take on the extreme challenge of running dogs in the snow (with temperatures as low as -8°C). One thing is certain, when he charges out of the starting gates with the over 250 other mushers from all over the world, all eyes will be on him. Look out Aviemore the Jamaicans are coming!
One Mush.
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Press Contact:
MARSHA STERLING info@chukkacaribbean.com
DANNY MELVILLE dmelville@chukkacaribbean.com
CHUKKA CARIBBEAN ADVENTURES
Corporate Office
Shop#2 Freeport Shopping Centre
Montego Bay Jamaica
Tel: 786-838-0712
Fax: (876) 684-9931
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