Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 08, 2014 (SKNIS): St. Kitts in many ways has set itself apart, boasting a number of landmark qualities as the Limacol Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Twenty 20 tournament made its debut on Kittitian soil last night (Aug 08) to packed stands.
Under a newly installed 3700 lux stadium lighting system, considered the best in the Western Hemisphere, a 44 foot high-definition jumbotron, which is just one of 5 in the world, a recently built permanent stand dedicated to persons with disabilities, it seemed fitting that Antigua Hawksbills Captain Marlon Samuels would choose this night to record the fastest century in CPL history hitting 106 runs off 52 balls.
While factors such as the lights, which allow high visibility for night-time matches, and the jumbotron providing real-time scoring and prime advertising space contributed to St. Kitts winning the bid for hosting the coveted finals, the addition of specialty seating for persons with disabilities meant that St. Kitts was a highly inclusive venue, where all sectors of society are able to enjoy the matches.
Anthony Mills, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Association of Persons with Disabilities (SKNAPD) remarked that this was a welcomed addition to the stadium that has a positive impact far beyond the CPL games.
“This is a big improvement and a step in the right direction,” said Mills. It’s important not only to make it possible for everyone who would like to watch but to educate the public as well about why adjustments like these are important and should start appearing elsewhere in society.”
Senior Sports Officer Vernon Springer explained that the upgrade to include a section for persons with disabilities is a part of the Federation’s move to meet international standards but was also important to the organizers because of the recognized need to share the experience with all groups in society.
“One of the biggest successes of the night for me was being able to interact with persons in this group who were able to really enjoy the matches just like everyone else”, said Springer. “Being able to share the excitement with them was a really touching moment for me. We took great pride in making sure that everyone in society is able to attend the matches and be comfortable.”
At the end of the night, the Guyana Amazon Warriors took home a 69 run victory over the Antigua Hawksbills and the Barbados Tridents won their match against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Steels by 19 runs.