Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights will be true to their name when they play at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport early Wednesday morning. They will be performing as a send-off for the approximately 150 Virgin Islanders who will board a charter flight to San Antonio to see St. Croix's favorite son Tim Duncan play in the first game of the NBA finals.
Duncan, a forward for the San Antonio Spurs, has made his island and territory proud for years – first, with his decision to finish school before playing pro ball, and now, entering the NBA finals.
To show their appreciation, Mario Moorhead, Rashidi Clenance and Sen. Adelbert M. "Bert" Bryan arranged the special flight so 150 residents could attend the opening game.
St. Thomas Source writer Kirk Grybowski was the first to buy a ticket on St. Thomas. Grybowski headed for St. Croix late Tuesday afternoon to catch the 6 a.m flight Wednesday.
Along with having Stanley play at the sendoff, Pamela C. Richards, acting Commissioner of Tourism, has invited the community to come to the airport, have some bush tea and give a rousing sendoff to the travelers.
Richards said national media will cover the early morning departure.
A special banner has been designed for the group to display at the game Wednesday night.