Ocho Rios, JAMAICA; May 2007 – Chukka Caribbean Adventures launched the much-anticipated Jamaica Dogsled Encounter at the famed Chukka Cove Farm & Polo Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on April 13, 2007 with Jamaican musher Devon Anderson and his Team showing off their new racing abilities in a demonstration run.
Along with the Jamaica Dogsled Experience, one of the Chukka Caribbean Adventures Polo Collection tours, the Encounter showcases the Jamaica Dogsled Team and the sport of sled dog racing – in particular dryland rig racing. This is a group tour for dog lovers and the highlight will be the time guests spend meeting and interacting with the team’s Sun Dogs. And these are special dogs – and not just because they’re Team members – but because they were found on the street or through the Jamaican Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (JSPCA), team membership means a new and better life.
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Entertainment and Culture The Hon. Aloun N’dombet-Assamba, the keynote speaker at the launch had this to say: “Another first for Jamaica, and yes, another Jamaican enterprise is breaking new ground, so to say that I am delightfully heartened by the warm and spirited reception that the Jamaican Dogsled Team has fetched internationally would be an understatement. I am ecstatic. I am very pleased to see what is happening at Chukka Caribbean, and I want to commend you for helping us at the Ministry of Tourism, Entertainment & Culture continue to diversify Jamaica’s tourism and entertainment product.”
Guests are escorted on this unique tour by the Chukka “mushers in training” and Jamaican sleddog Isabella. They’ll escort the group to the Grand Arena where they’ll begin with an orientation: a brief history of sleddog racing; the story of how this whimsical team was formed; the story of the JSPCA and the great work they do saving street dogs; a bit about the team’s sponsor -- and godfather -- Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville; and a preview of the upcoming feature documentary “Sun Dogs” chronicling the creation of the team, to be released by Chris Blackwell’s Palm Pictures.
Then guests will become a part of the Jamaica Dogsled Team phenomenon as they enter the Dog Yard to meet, pet, “hug-up” and get to know these amazing “Second Chance Stars” one-on-one. Then the Chukka “mushers in training” will harness the team and take them on a demonstration run where the dogs can show off all of their new sleddog skills.
The tour continues on to the world famous Dunn’s River Falls where guests will climb the refreshing cascading waterfalls. After working up an appetite on the Falls the group will head to none other than Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville for lunch and an opportunity to do some shopping at the unique Island Village before the air-conditioned ride back to their cruise ship or hotel.
The Jamaica Dogsled Encounter is $65.00 for adults, $48.00 for kids 6-12 and is appropriate for ages 6 and up. For reservations call toll-free: 1-877-4-CHUKKA or book online at Chukka Caribbean Adventures: www.chukkacaribbean.com. For more information about Devon Anderson and the Jamaica Dogsled Team visit www.jamaicadogsled.com. Click on the “Cool Stuff” link and support the team, a portion of the proceeds will also benefit the JSPCA. The JSPCA works closely with Chukka and the team to monitor their dogs.
About Chukka Caribbean Adventures
Founded in 1983, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is now the number one land-based nature adventure tour provider in the region, offering thirty-eight tours in Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Collectively, the operations delivered over 250,000 adventure tours to cruise and hotel guests in 2006. With a commitment to deliver the highest quality tours with well trained guides and stringent safety standards, Chukka takes pride in showcasing the natural beauty of the Caribbean through unique and sensational experiences and providing opportunities for local residents and businesses. Awards include “Shore Excursion of the Year 2004/2005” for Montego Bay and Ocho Rios by Princess Cruises and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association “Attraction of the Year Award 2005/2006.”
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