PONCE, PR- The World Boxing Organization, headed by President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, once again highlighted Christmas at the Sor Isolina Ferré Center in Ponce through its successful WBO Kids Drug Fee Program. The WBO, Regional Champions, former World Champions, Promoters, Officials, and Trainers of the Boxing World, brought joy and Christmas atmosphere to the participating center children through their gifts of toys, bicycles and sports equipment.
WBO, Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, together with the institution’s director, Sister Mildred Vázquez, offered this activity for the youth and children who participate of the various center programs.
“This commitment t began 17 years ago with Sister Isolina Ferré. We started here in Puerto Rico helping children and have branched to 29 countries around the world. We want the children to be Champions of their lives, of their daily life. Let them be as the boxers that join us today; Champions of society and an example for others. To continue their education and use their skills through sports to solidify all disciplines,” Valcárcel commented. “Our commitment is resolute, and we will continue to provide continuous support for these children.”
World Champion, José ‘Sniper’ Pedraza, challengers Emmanuel ‘Manny the sensational’ Rodriguez, King ‘El Maestro’ Ojeda, Jesus Rojas, Víctor Bisbal and José ‘Chelo’ González, as well as former World Champions, Angel ‘Cholo’ Espada, Alex “El Nene” Sanchez and Román ‘Rocky’ Martínez were also eager participants at the event.
Also present was the young female boxer, Kiria Tapia from Puerto Rico, Female Gold Medalist from the Central American Games held in Veracruz, Mexico.
Boxing prospects John Karl Sosa, Alberto Mercado, Enrique ‘Kikín’ Collazo, Luis ‘Zurdo’ Rosario, Marcos ‘Marquitos’ Osorio, Eliezer ‘Waa’ González, Anthony Román, amateur Joshua ‘Kiko’ Ortiz, George Jiménez, John Anthony Correa and Lady Mercedes Alicea also participated of the event.
“For me it is a great privilege to be a part of this WBO event, together with Sor Isolina Ferré’s staff. It’s a blessing to share in the joy of these children while instilling them with motivation, “said José ‘Sniper’ Pedraza.
WBO Latino Bantamweight champion Emmanuel ‘Manny the sensational’ Rodriguez said: “To be a participant in this awesome WBO activity is the best thing that has happened to me. Carrying the message that we can stay on the right track and set an example to the children is a great satisfaction.”
Gold Medalist Kiria Tapia said, “I always participate in WBO activities. We have to give back and share the blessings that our Lord showers us with.”
Besides Valcárcel and the Boxers, the Trainers Luis Espada, Orlando Piñero, Álex Caraballo, José García, Margaro Cruz, Jesús ‘Chuito’ Ayala, Juan ‘Golo’ Gómez and Jesús Ortiz, Officials Kenny Bayless, José H. Rivera, Gerardo Martínez, Roberto Ramirez Jr., Ramón Peña, César Ramos, Hernando Steidel, Luis Ruiz and Promoters Javier Bustillo, Peter Rivera and Juan Orengo were present.
The WBO and the Puerto Rican boxers shared in a party atmosphere with all the families present, donating to the Center’s children 100 bicycles, board games, toys and sport equipment.
WBO Executives Luis Pérez, José Izquierdo, Adolfo Flores Monge, Manuel Marrero Hueca, Alberto Rodríguez and Genaro Rodríguez, accompanied the President wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.
