The newly established fitness facility at the Mindoo Phillip Park has been officially named the Cuthbert Modeste Strength and Conditioning Centre.
Modeste, affectionately known locally as Twa Ti Ne’, has been dedicated to coaching young track and field athletes for decades with remarkable success.
A small ceremony at the Mindoo Phillip Park Thursday unveiled the facility in the presence of Prime Minister Philip Pierre, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir, Taiwanese Ambassador Nicole Su and St. Lucia’s sprint queen Julien Alfred.
Modeste was instrumental in Alfred’s early years, something that was not lost on her as she praised those responsible for “giving him his flowers.” Alfred who attended the ceremony on her way to the airport, said Modeste deserved every bit of the accolades directed at him.
Taiwanese Ambassador Nicole Su, who was instrumental in securing the fitness equipment, was exceeding complementary to the government for the establishment of the facility which she believes can only assist in producing more world class athletes.
Sports Minister Kenson Casimir said the occasion was one of remarkable significance. “Today is a proud and significant day for sport in St. Lucia. We gathered not only to open a new facility but also to celebrate a remarkable legacy and honour a man whose contribution to athletics and youth development has profoundly shaped our nation. The official opening of the Cuthbert Modeste Strength and Conditioning Centre is both a physical investment in our athletes and a symbolic recognition of the values that Mr. Cuthbert ‘Twa Ti Ne’ Modeste has embodied throughout his life.”
Modeste, a man of many words but few on this occasion, was appreciative of the recognition and was seemingly ready to recommit to more hard work with this new facility.