Miguel Cotto’s gym in Caguas reopens as free space for development of young boxers

The Miguel Ángel Cotto Carrasquillo Gymnasium in Caguas, which originally opened its doors on Feb. 3, 2013, exists thanks to a collaborative agreement with the Autonomous Municipality of Caguas and offers its facilities completely free of charge to children, young people and athletes who wish to get involved in the sport of boxing, as it promotes healthy lifestyle habits through physical activity.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Miguel Cotto Angel Foundation, in partnership with the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the Autonomous Municipality of Caguas, celebrated the reopening this week of the Miguel Ángel Cotto Carrasquillo Gymnasium in the Ángel O. Berríos Sports Complex, reaffirming their commitment to the development of sports, children and youth in Puerto Rico.

The gymnasium, which originally opened its doors on Feb. 3, 2013, exists thanks to a collaborative agreement with the Autonomous Municipality of Caguas and offers its facilities completely free of charge to children, young people and athletes who wish to get involved in the sport of boxing, as it promotes healthy lifestyle habits through physical activity.

Over the past 13 years, the gymnasium has served as a training ground for hundreds of children and young people from Caguas and neighboring towns, becoming a community meeting point where discipline, respect, healthy eating and personal growth are promoted through sports.

Under the guidance of coach Belvin García, professional athletes also use the gymnasium as part of their athletic training.

“We thank the World Boxing Organization, Gustavo and Paco for their great support and for being part of our mission and initiative,” said Cotto, a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, former three-division world champion and founder of the initiative. “Without a doubt, we continue to do our part to motivate children and young people to live a healthy and active life through the sport of boxing. Thanks to my friend and Honorable Mayor Wilito for always being there for us and supporting sports and investing in our children. Here at the Miguel Ángel Cotto Carrasquillo Gymnasium, they have a space to grow and dream big.”

WBO President Gustavo Olivieri highlighted the social impact of this type of community project.

“For the World Boxing Organization, it is a privilege to be part of initiatives like this, especially when it involves collaborating with a figure of the stature of Miguel Cotto, former three-division WBO world champion, member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and one of the best boxers from Puerto Rico and of all time,” he said. “The WBO is honored to participate in this collaboration that directly impacts our communities and future generations of athletes. Boxing is a powerful tool for social transformation, and spaces like the Miguel Ángel Cotto Carrasquillo Gymnasium allow us to instill discipline, values, and hope in our children and young people.”

During the event, Caguas Mayor William Miranda Torres, stated: “Our friends at the Angel Foundation are committed to the fight against childhood obesity. Every young person who decides to attend the gym accepts the challenge of a commitment that will not necessarily turn them into a boxer, but it will give them the tools to discover the things that can only be achieved with determination and discipline.”

The Miguel Cotto Angel Foundation continues to develop initiatives focused on the physical, emotional and social well-being of Puerto Rican children, using sports as a vehicle for education, prevention and community progress.

More information about the programs and services of the Miguel Cotto Angel Foundation can be found at: www.fundacionelangel.org.