
By The Star Staff
The Culture & Sports Caney of Fame in Salinas inducted its Class of 2024 in a ceremony held recently at Ángel Luis “Cholo” Espada Arena.
“One of the most beloved institutions of our people is the Culture and Sports Caney of Fame of Salinas, an entity dedicated to preserving and safeguarding our rich history in all its manifestations,” Salinas Mayor Karilyn Bonilla Colón said at the induction ceremony.
“In our Taino tradition, the longhouse of the Indian chiefs was called Caney,” the mayor noted. “In that sense, in Salinas we are the Caney of Puerto Rico because we treasure what is ours, we receive with affection and courtesy those who arrive, and we protect our customs and traditions.”
In fact, the name is found in local literature, in lines such as those of Luis Lloréns Torres: “… happy is he who, on his chestnut horse, manages to arrive early at your hut, so that your hand may give him a slice of bread, with a cup of coffee. …”
The honorees in sports were Jeannie A. Morales Cruz in weightlifting; Julio A. Martínez Silvestrini, also in weightlifting; Stephanie E. Rosado Rosario in basketball; and Víctor Luis Alomar Rivera in baseball.
The “Las Sirenas” team that won the Puerto Rican Volleyball League Championship in 2005 received special recognition and loud applause.
Also honored, in the culture category, were Saturno Díaz, Antonio Rodríguez Morales (Tony Conga) and Ruddy A. Rodríguez Rodríguez.
In the music category, Demetrio Rodríguez Rivas and the “two Antonios,” Alberto Antonio Ledée Rivera (Toñito) and Antonio Vázquez Ponce (Toñito) were recognized.
“My congratulations to all those recognized …” Bonilla Colón said. “With their achievements they have exalted human endeavor, represented in each of their specialties, honoring the colors of our Salinas and Puerto Rican flags. I want to give special recognition to the members of Caney, organizers of the event and volunteers, for this magnificent activity.”
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