Enjoy the Year of Sport in Barbados

As Barbados celebrates its 50th year of Independence in 2017, the island will be hosting a busy calendar of world-class sporting events throughout the year to show off its proud heritage of athletic competition.

The wonderful climate of Barbados allows year-round outdoor events, so we've decided to take a look at some of the sports and activities that Barbadians love and show how you can get involved; whether you just wish to spectate or you want to get stuck in and try yourself.

Cricket

It’s no secret that there’s a passion for Cricket in the Caribbean and that’s no more apparent than in Barbados. As well as being a big part of the West Indies team, the island also has two national teams of its own. Barbados has also been home to some of the World’s best cricketers such as Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Everton Weekes and Sir Clyde Walcott.

You can see the love for cricket by just wandering along the island’s stunning beaches and seeing the many amateur games played by children and grown-ups alike. However if you’re looking for competition on a larger scale then you have to visit the impressive Kensington Oval stadium in Bridgetown, home to the 2007 World Cup final.

When to see it

Our very own England cricket team will be flying over to Barbados to take on the West Indies as part of the One Day International Series on 9th March 2017.

Polo

For over a hundred years, the regal game of polo has been played on the lush fields of Barbados. Since then it’s grown so much that when the season starts in the New Year, people from around the globe visit the island just to be part of the action.

As Polo is a sport needing a certain level of skill to compete, being a spectator is the simplest, and perhaps the most fun, part of a match as food, drink and entertainment are the mainstay of tournaments. There are a number of polo clubs opening up all over the country but Holder’s field, home of the Barbados Polo Club, is thought of as the sport’s home.

When to see it

Polo season starts in January and continues through the spring. Going to watch one of the regular matches at Holder’s field is the perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon. Watch out for the famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tournament in February.

Sailing

Thanks to the warm trade winds and wide open waters of the Atlantic, Barbados is a perfect place for competitive sailing and has become home to many international tournaments. From big yacht regattas down to the speedy dinghy races like the GP14 World Championship.

The biggest date on the Caribbean sailing calendar is the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race. For over 80 years, this race has been THE prize that sailing teams strive for in Barbados. And in 2017, the MS Barbados will be returning to defend her crown as the fastest yacht to circumnavigate the island.

When to see it

The Mount Gay Round Barbados starts off on 16th January and there is a week of races, dinners and celebrations to get involved in.

Golf

Barbados is home to many excellent golf courses, some designed by the biggest names in golf course design like Tom Fazio. The Green Monkey Course at Sandy Lane, carved from an old limestone quarry, is viewed by many as one of the most dramatic courses in the world.

Barbados has been host to many prestigious tournaments and, in 2006, was home to the World Golf Championship World Cup where the German team, including Marcel Siem, claimed victory over Scots Colin Montgomery and Marc Warren.

When to see it

August sees some of the best amateur golfers from around the world compete for the coveted Barbados Open Championship with the incredible tropical landscapes as their backdrop.

Want to join in?

With all this sport available to watch throughout the island, you’re probably going to want to get involved too. Well fear not, whether your game is tennis, volleyball or a relaxing game of golf, Barbados is a perfect for an active getaway…