WHITEHORSE, YUKON TERRITORY CANADA WHITEHORSE, Yukon Territory, July 20 / — Danny Melvilleowner and founder of the Jamaica Dogsled Team announced today that his leadmusher will train with former Yukon Quest champion Hans Gatt in the hopesof qualifying for the 2009 Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race –billed as the toughest sled dog race in the world. “Two of our mushers will train in Jamaica and Minnesota and our headmusher Devon Anderson will train here with Hans. With races scheduledthroughout the season in the US, Canada and the training and qualifyingraces to take place here in the North, we are thrilled to have theexpertise of a champion like Hans to help us build a team and the skills ofour mushers,” says owner Danny Melville. “This is not just a promotionalmove, we take mushing seriously and it has become part of our tourismoffering in Jamaica.” Hans Gatt outlined the plan to train Devon and prepare him and his teamto run both a 200 and 300 mile qualifier in order to be allowed to enter inthe Yukon Quest in 2009. “I am looking forward to working with Devon andhave visited the Jamaica Dogsled Team in Ocho Rios. Now I need to help themprepare not only for a race of this distance but also the wilderness andelements that have to be faced when running the Yukon Quest,” stated Gatt.”Dog care, equipment and preparation are key.” Last year Anderson visited the Yukon and followed the Yukon Questthrough the Yukon portion. He also had the opportunity to mush on legendaryLake Laberge. Anderson is operations manager for both of Melville’s tourismventures and both have had a chance to meet and tour a number of theYukon’s wilderness tourism operators businesses. “I look forward to gettingup there and beginning my training with Hans and the team,” said Andersonfrom Ocho Rios. “Many people ask me how I found the cold — and I have tosay it was a little shocking but the beauty of the region is amazing and totrain with a three time champion of the Yukon Quest is a chance in alifetime!” Sponsored by singer and songwriter Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville,the Jamaica Dogsled Team is the newest addition to the Chukka CaribbeanAdventures family, just one of the many creative ideas of founder and CEODanny Melville. Formed out of a motley crew of mixed breed dogs found onthe street or through the Jamaican Society for Prevention of Cruelty ofAnimals (JSPCA), team membership means a new and better life of care andmeaning for the team dogs. Anderson, along with the Jamaican sled dogs, isfeatured in Palm Pictures’ documentary feature “Sun Dogs” and theirtraining continues for the unique “Jamaica Dogsled Team Experience” and”Dogsled Encounter” offered at Chukka Cove Farm, Ocho Rios. A portion ofproceeds from all tours goes to the JSPCA. For more information about Devon Anderson and the Jamaica Dogsled Teamvisit http://www.jamaicadogsled.com. To learn more about Chukka CaribbeanAdventures visit http://www.chukkacaribbean.com; the Yukon Quest visithttp://www.yukonquest.com and Hans Gatt http://www.gattsled.com. About Chukka Caribbean Adventures Founded in 1983, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is now the number oneland- based nature adventure tour provider in the region, offeringthirty-two tours in Jamaica, Belize, The Bahamas, and Turks & CaicosIslands. Collectively, the operations delivered over 250,000 adventuretours to cruise and hotel guests in 2006. With a commitment to deliver thehighest quality tours with well trained guides and stringent safetystandards, Chukka takes pride in showcasing the natural beauty of theCaribbean through unique and sensational experiences and providingopportunities for local residents and businesses. Awards include “ShoreExcursion of the Year 2004/2005” for Montego Bay and Ocho Rios by PrincessCruises and the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association “Attraction of theYear Award 2005/2006.” Chukka Caribbean Adventures – See more. Do more!
