| The BTMI’s UK and Ireland Office will play host to Barbados’ Inaugural Pickleball Open, set for 26 – 29 November at Wyndham Sam Lords Castle. Pickleball, recognised the world over as the fastest growing racquet sport in recent times, will entice enthusiastic players of all levels in the UK and Ireland, to converge on Barbados, not only as an escape from the plummeting temperatures with the Winter Season looming, but to combine a short warm weather break with friendly competition and in a great atmosphere that only Barbados could create.
Featuring healthy competition in Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles and a Team Event for players from the UK and Ireland, the Caribbean and locally, this tournament aims to create opportunities for players of different ages and levels of ability to compete whilst enjoying some of the elements of what makes Barbados an aspirational destination to many.
The introduction of such a tournament to the island brings players, spectators and supporting family members of a new discipline to the island, and from all reports an inclusive culture of competitors, who play hard and then head out collectively to experience the tasty culinary offerings available for dinner.
With a Pickleball Tournament of this magnitude available on island, this adds another string to our already existing ‘Sporting Bow’, and for those who participate in other disciplines like golf, tennis, sailing or surfing, there is every opportunity to sample an island experience of a lifetime of your choice. Visiting participants are also spoilt for choice with the exciting attractions on sea and land, whatever suits your fancy from a Catamaran Cruise, a dive on the Atlantis Submarine to a lazy day on the beach to top up your tan, to a visit to Harrison’s Cave and E-Co Adventure Park, to an Island Safari Jeep Tour, or a visit to one of our Famous Rum Distilleries(to mention a few).
An introduction to the island’s indigenous sport of ‘Road Tennis’ is a must and will be encouraged. As a racquet sport enthusiast, this game will certainly catch your fancy as you are already blessed with the hand to eye coordination needed to play Pickleball. The game will test your flexibility, skill and touch whilst using differing muscles from Pickleball to manoeuvre the ball around the court.
So, this November we look forward to the UK and Irish Pickleball Fraternity making their way to Barbados for some ‘Picklefun, Under the Caribbean Sun’. |
