BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE newly-installed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sports, Hon. Shawn Richards, has indicated that sports tourism is one of the focuses of the new administration as they seek to gain benefits for St. Kitts and Nevis.
In a recent interview with members of the media, Richards indicated that he had already met with the Tourism Minister to discuss potential partnerships.
“We are focusing on Sports Tourism! As a matter of fact, the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Lindsay Grant, has already met and we are looking at specific partnership between the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Tourism to marry the activities of both so St. Kitts and Nevis can benefit coming out from both.”
He also outlined some of the major sporting events scheduled for later this year.
“There are a number of upcoming major sporting activities. You have the TDC High School Championships. It is one of the most highly-attended athletic events in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. It is highly-competitive and this year coming on the heels of CARIFTA, which will be held in St. Kitts and Nevis this year over the Easter Weekend.”
Richards also indicated some potential Sports Tourism initiatives slated to take place in St. Kitts in 2015.
“CARIFTA itself is a major sporting event. We expect over 800 athletes to be in the Federation for CARIFTA. Following, we have the CPL games which takes place from July 30 to August 11. For the very first time St. Kitts will have our own franchise in the Patriots and we are asking fans to come out and support our very own team.”
The 44th edition will be held in St. Kitts and Nevis for the second time in seven years, while the Caribbean Premier League now in its third year will host 10 games at Warner Park, including six neutral games after the venue hosted the Semi-Finals and Finals in 2014.
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