Face2News/Thornton, Colorado (USA)
The inauguration of the new cricket pitch and ground at the Thornton Sports Complex marks a significant milestone in the development of cricket within the region. The event was officiated by renowned West Indian cricket legend and Hall of Famer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who officially opened the facility on October 4, 2025. This ground is dedicated to fostering youth and school cricket, particularly benefiting the Adams 12 Five Star Schools, including Thornton High School and its middle schools.
The cricket ground is notable for being the first in Thornton, Colorado to feature lighting, enabling evening & night matches and training sessions. The facility's opening was attended by distinguished guests, including Jan Kulmann, the Mayor of Thornton, Jatin Patel, a respected multi-sports coach and cricket Hall of Famer with lifetime achievement award, as well as officials from the City of Thornton and local schools. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the growth of cricket in the community.
During the ceremony, Mayor Jan Kulmann emphasized the importance of cricket as a unifying sport that connects families, neighbors, and diverse cultures. She highlighted the role of cricket in fostering community spirit and youth development. The presence of Shivnarine Chanderpaul served as an inspiration to aspiring young cricketers, and the event provided an opportunity for local student-athletes from Thornton Middle School and Thornton High School to showcase their talents.
The event also recognized the efforts of the Colorado Tennis Cricket League (CTCL), which spearheaded the project to expand cricket in local schools. Manoj Gangwar, Anil Vijay from CTCL , Fareed Stanikzai and Charlene Fauls from School District, Vinod Murthy from DYCA key advocate and contributor to youth cricket development in Colorado, was acknowledged for his dedication. The new facility is expected to support ongoing training and development programs, including youth initiatives and school cricket activities.
