Puerto Rican spirit of unity and celebration shines at Central American Games

Puerto Ricans at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo are showcasing a vibrant spirit of unity and celebration, mirroring the camaraderie found back home. "In Puerto Rico, we are always used to supporting each other. We are always united, and here we are a family. So it's the same as you see in Puerto Rico, what we have here, is how to support a family," said a young fan watching the archery finals.

Katherine Perez Santiago, president of the Puerto Rican Hockey Federation, explained that this deep-seated solidarity stems from parents consistently encouraging their children. This creates a culture that begins at home and permeates the entire nation. "We have fantastic parents who have come to support Puerto Rico and all their children, so I think that's why we have so many fans. I am very proud that it is so," she stated. Perez Santiago also expressed pride in the country's excellent performance across various disciplines, wishing the best for every athlete and expressing confidence in winning more medals.

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In Puerto Rico, we are always used to supporting each other. We are always united, and here we are a family. So it's the same as you see in Puerto Rico, what we have here, is how to support a family.

The Puerto Rican delegation comprises 442 athletes, with 226 women and 216 men, competing in 33 sports and 43 disciplines. The team includes the oldest athlete, 63-year-old equestrian rider Mark Watring, and the youngest, 13-year-old skater Esmeralda Butler.

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We have fantastic parents who have come to support Puerto Rico and all their children, so I think that's why we have so many fans. I am very proud that it is so.