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Mention Barbados to anyone and it usually conjures up images of white sandy beaches, warm
blue seas, balmy nights, cricket, calypsos, coconuts and contentment. Now darts players can experience all these for themselves with the inaugural
Barbados Masters Darts Tournament from November 22 – Dec 2, 2002 – in the company of two of the most charismatic, popular and sociable champions of all times –
Eric Bristow and Cliff Lazarenko.
 That Barbados should have a thriving Masters darts community should not come as too much of a
surprise when you learn that Barbados is frequently referred to as “Little England”. Gaining its independence from Great Britain in 1966, visitors
will still find much that is familiar – the language, driving on the left, their love of cricket, the legal and parliamentary systems,
and their sense of humour.
It has been a much sought after holiday destination from the 1960’s and in
recent years it has become one of the most popular countries in the world for
sports tours of all disciplines. Although cricket is still by far the most popular sport for touring teams, in recent years Barbados has hosted a string of
successful annual events with strong US and Canadian participation in Masters Soccer, rugby, hockey, tennis, golf, bridge, netball, polo and sailing.
Barbados can even claim to have the World Champion in dominoes – Suki King. Now is the time for darts to take flight.
The event is part of the Barbados Tourism Authority’s “Sports Tourism
Initiative” and the events will be organised in conjunction with The Barbados Masters Darts Organisation and sports event organiser Michael Heal of The
PR Solution. Michael’s association with Barbados dates back to 1968 when he was a teacher there. His company, The PR Solution, has been
responsible for staging a number of sporting events on the island in the last few years.
 “There is no better place in the world to have a great
time than Barbados. The Bajans are the most hospitable people you could meet and you are sure of a warm welcome – both literally and
metaphorically”, comments Michael. “Who wouldn’t swap 10 cold, dank November or December days in the US or Canada to enjoy the
tropical delights of the Caribbean island with the most to offer both in the day and at night”, he adds. “And, no matter what time of day or night, the
temperature won’t dip far below the 80’s. You certainly won’t need to take a jacket”, he concludes.
The tournament is designed for ladies and gentlemen darts players of all
standards – the term “Masters” is a reference to age, not ability. The darts itinerary will include matches and competitions as well as coaching clinics
from Eric & Cliff. Arrangements will take into account the range of playing
standards and it is expected that the UK participants will be joined by players from Canada, USA, Ireland, Holland, Germany as well as South America and
other Caribbean countries, plus a strong contingent from Barbados itself.
Players will have to be 35 years of age and over and the accent will be on
conviviality as well as competition. Participants will have the option of taking
part in a variety of social activities to enable them to enjoy all that Barbados
has to offer. This will enable non-playing partners to also enjoy the trip to the full.
Michael Heal will accompany the group and looks forward to improving his
game. Being somewhat vertically challenged he prefers to score in units of 19 rather than 20 to prevent any embarrassment that may occur when trying
to retrieve his darts!
The Barbados Masters Darts takes place from November 22 to December 2, 2002.
The 10 night trip takes in two weekends and prices for US and Canadian
residents start from £485 per person – two people sharing a twin/double room. This price includes 10 nights accommodations, all entry fees, all
coaching clinics with Eric Bristow and Cliff Lazarenko, and all transportation to the dart venues.
Parties from the US and Canada need to make their own travel arrangements
to Barbados and both American Airlines and the British West Indies Ailines
have regular flights. Folks will need to arrive in Barbados by the afternoon of Friday, November 22, 2002. The tournament concludes on Sunday evening,
December 1. Return flights should be booked starting on Monday, December 2. All accommodations must be booked at one of the designated tournament
hotels through Richard Webster at Tour Operator, Sun Living at 01623 795365 or through Michael Heal at 01372 464666.
e-mail: michael@theeventsgroup.net
Related Articles & Information:
Barbados Masters - Hotel Details 
Sun, Surf & Darts (Event Itinerary)
Head to Barbados with Cliff & Eric
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