Fun, Sun and Lots of Sizzle! Bermuda's new 20-20 World Cricket Classic has it all.
By Caroline Knox
For the uninitiated, cricket may conjure up images of a complicated, slow-moving game during which even aficionados take to their deck chairs for an afternoon snooze punctuated by the buzz of bumblebees and the smack of leather on willow.
You might well imagine yielding to slumber upon hearing the following description of the game said to have been offered to a foreign visitor at Marleybone Cricket Club at London's Lord's Cricket Ground:
"You have two sides - one out in the field and one in. Each man that's in the side that's in goes out, and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out. Sometimes you get men still in and not out. When both sides have been in and out, including the not-outs, that's the end of the game. Howzat?"
Of course, there's more to cricket than "who's in" and "who's out," especially with the new 20-20 Overs format. This is just the ticket for us hardworking, short-on-time folk. With only 20 overs per side and less than three hours to conclude a match, the format offers big-hitting, high-energy action.
In Bermuda you can add sun to the sizzle. The April 2006 marked the first 20-20 World Cricket Classic at Bermuda's National Sports Centre. At that time of the year, the weather here is usually balmy. With its national love of cricket, subtropical climate, magnificent scenery and renowned pink beaches, Bermuda offers a stunning backdrop for cricket camaraderie. In addition, the 20-20 World Cricket Classic event draws on significant experience by partnering with Bermuda's World Rugby Classic organisers.
The game of the future, 20-20 cricket focuses on skilled players, colourful clothing, a chorus of jingles for a big score and even a remote-controlled duck. Duck? Well, who knows why a "duck" appears when a player is given "out" without scoring?
The greatest cricketing nations — England, the West Indies, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka — join Bermuda in its first titanic contest. Players must be 35 or older and capped for their countries. Among the 96 stars participating in Bermuda's historic event are cricket legends Joel Garner, Robin Smith, Aravinda de Silva, Ian Healy and Gary Kirsten, to name but a few.
Hosted by GEFF, the Get Fit Foundation, Bermuda's inaugural 20-20 Cricket Classic also offers health and activity facilities in partnership with key charities, such as diabetes and the heart foundation. "We are creating a huge Health & Activity Village complete with fully supervised, fun activities," says Caroline Knox, GEFF director. "These include bowling in a huge inflatable to measure your speed or launching yourself off a 'tee' in safe, inflatable surroundings to catch randomly targeted balls."
GEFF also encourages walking 30 minutes per day. What better way to do that than to don a pedometer (available at the event) and take to the "Amazing Space" activity track between innings? You can enter your pedometer readings on GEFF's on-line free "i-ped fitness tracker" at get-fit-foundation.org. With i-ped it's quite easy to chart your health progress, monitor your weight, garner tips and techniques, and learn about upcoming events.
Want a quick snack while stretching your legs between innings? GEFF's Health & Activity Village features healthy food from each of the eight cricketing nations, as well as outlets and charity booths with products and information supporting a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, there are some hallowed Cricket Classic traditions that must prevail. One is Gosling's Classic Tavern, where you can boogie till the wee hours with the well-known Dark Blues Band. (Wear your pedometer, of course, in order to log extra activity!)
The highly successful Dark Blues have played for everyone from Royals to rock stars. The band has an extraordinary instinct for playing the right music for every occasion, ensuring fun evenings with packed dance floors.
While the Cricket Classic definitely offers sun and sizzle, it simply wouldn't be cricket without tea and scones. Now you can have your cake and eat it, too. Howzat!
Book now and celebrate with hotel credits of up to $400 for travel through March 31, 2009. Plus get a 400 Anniversary Passport for additional savings of up to $1000 on island.
Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!
Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today!
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For the uninitiated, cricket may conjure up images of a complicated, slow-moving game during which even aficionados take to their deck chairs for an afternoon snooze punctuated by the buzz of bumblebees and the smack of leather on willow.
Book now and celebrate with hotel credits of up to $400 for travel through March 31, 2009. Plus get a 400 Anniversary Passport for additional savings of up to $1000 on island.
Make your Bermuda trip even more memorable with dolphins! Dolphin Quest offers fun, interactive dolphin encounter programs for all. Book your adventure today!
Have a fun-filled vacation with a cycle from Oleander. If you can ride a bicycle, you can easily ride an Oleander scooter. See all of Bermuda...reserve one today! 
