It’s a diamond anniversary celebration! Puerto Rico’s National Sailing Sports Authority, the Puerto Rico Sailing Federation, was founded six decades ago in 1963.
“In my opinion, our greatest achievement has been keeping the sport of sailing alive against all odds,” says Graham Castillo, Federation president. “The vision, consistency, and resilience displayed by a long line of committed leaders, parents, and volunteers has resulted in the development of many outstanding Central American and Caribbean, Pan-American, and Olympic sailors. This provides us with a valuable and inspiring legacy that we must celebrate.”
It all started with the late founding president, Juan ‘Billo’ Torruella, Sr., for whom this anniversary celebration is dedicated, says Castillo. “Billo was, among other exemplary accolades, our first Olympic athlete, first International Judge, and recipient of the two highest Olympic Medals awarded by the International Olympic Committee: the Pierre Coubertin Medal for Distinguished Service to the Sport, and the Olympic Order, the highest award for Distinguished Contributions to the Olympic Movement. We are proud to honor his memory.”
Castillo has appointed a history committee that has begun work on preparing a chronology of the Federation’s events, athletes, leaders, success stories, and memorabilia, which will be used to create publications, displays, and video presentations. Looking ahead, he says the Federation will be restructured with new bylaws based on strategic planning. There will also be a focus on education and professional development by establishing training programs for coaches, race officers, and judges. www.sailingpur.com
