On June 24th, 2022 the East Stand at the Windsor Park sports stadium was named after Dominica’s Sportsman, Thomas Kentish.
At an event ceremony, minister for sports said this provides Dominica, not only to honor outstanding achievements to nation-building or simply the naming of a stand but one which provides that opportunity to say thank you and to highlight the contribution of yet another exemplary citizen who is “an inspiration to many of our young Sportsmen/women in Dominica.
In October 2009, the cabinet of the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica took a historic position to name stands at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium after prominent Dominicans who have contributed to the development of spots on the island, particularly cricket and football.
“In keeping with a 2009 decision, cabinet once more decided to honor this previous commitment to the legacy of outstanding Sports personalities. As such, the decision was taken to name the East stand after another son of the soil who has given and is still giving extraordinary service to our nation, in the field of sports, Mr. Thomas Zephaniah, Kentish, popularly known TK,” Minster of Sports, Culture and Community Development, Roselyn Paul stated.
Mr. Kentish has been part of the sporting landscape from 1973 to present, serving sports for close to 50 years. From youthful days onwards he has participated in cricket at varying age levels nationally and regionally and in leadership as captain.
“Following his playing days, he naturally gravitated to coaching and attribute which was spotted in him from his playing days as he was always seen tutoring, the younger team members and providing guidance on the field to his colleagues during the matches. He’s currently employed as a coach with the ministry of Sports, Culture and Community Development.”
She said through the naming of the East stand after Mr. Kentish she is ensuring that his contributions to sports remains as part of Dominica’s sporting history for a lifetime and for generations to come.
Honoree, Kentish Thomas thanked the government for naming the east stand after his name.
He said from the beginning of his career he has always been humble and simply wanted to make a contribution for his country.
“I came into sports not with this in my mind, that was my gift and my talent. I just came out and represent the country with everything I had, humbly and at the end of the day, it could Inspire other young players to be humble and to represent your country whether you play football or cricket.
Kentish added that it is a privilege that his name is besides famous sportsmen who are also named on different stands such Norbert Philip, Adam Sanford, Clem John, Keleb Laurent and Billy Doctrove who he stated were his mentors and is glad he followed their footsteps.
He noted that although there were a lot of times, he played cricket and football and not being awarded, the most important thing was his contribution to Dominica and that’s why he will remain the same person he has always been.
