Marshall, one of Jamaica’s newest sports ambassadors is excited to be working with Mackey and has his sights set on blazing a trail next year in Anchorage. “It is a real honor to represent Jamaica in this non-traditional sport, whose beginnings were in helping children. I am looking forward to working with Lance and his kennel in making Jamaica proud,” noted Marshall.

About Jamaica Dogsled Team
The Jamaica Dogsled Team is sponsored by Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville, WestJet Vacations, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Alpine Aviation, and is part of the Chukka Caribbean Adventures family. In addition to the mushers training and racing in Jamaica and North America, the team’s dogs in Jamaica – a motley crew of mixed breed dogs found on the street or through the Jamaican Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (JSPCA) – are part of the unique Jamaica Dogsled Team “Experience” and “Encounter,” offered at Chukka Caribbean Adventures. Team membership for these dogs means a new and better life of care and meaning.


Traning for the 2010 Iditarod
Three-time Iditarod and four-time Yukon Quest champion Lance Mackey will be training Jamaica Dogsled Team musher Newton Marshall as he prepares to race the Iditarod in 2010.

“I was fortunate to have Hans Gatt train me over the past two years and help me finish the Yukon Quest” said Marshall. “Now I will get the chance to work with another champion – he has won three Iditarods! I know I can do this race.”

Marshall successfully completed the Yukon Quest last year in thirteenth place. He was awarded the Spirit of the North Award by the Race Officials of the Yukon Quest. Last week in Jamaica, Marshall was presented with a special award from the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce for his success in dog sledding and the whole team was there with him to celebrate.

“We are thrilled to be working with Lance Mackey’s Comeback Kennels as we prepare for the Iditarod,” said Danny Melville, President and team founder. “The new terrain, dog team, training races and style of Lance and his kennels will all help Newton as he prepares for the Iditarod.”

Marshall and sprint musher Damion Robb both have an impressive schedule of races planned for 2009-10 that will culminate with the Iditarod in March.

“We cannot wait to work with Newton,” said Tonya Mackey of Comeback Kennel, Inc. “He has shown his dedication to the sport of sled dog racing and we are excited to have the opportunity to get him ready for the Iditarod. Plus, we will get to show him some Alaskan hospitality!”

The team dogs in Jamaica are rescued from the streets or from the Jamaican Society for Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (JSPCA). A portion of proceeds from the Jamaica Dogsled Tours and DVD sales on the team website benefits the JSPCA. The Jamaica Dogsled Team is sponsored by Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, WestJet Vacations, Alpine Aviation and Annamaet Petfoods.