A Community Initiative in Ponce

Together, we can transform La Escuela Ramiro Colón and Parque Charles H Terry into a vibrant hub for youth empowerment and community growth.

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Revitalizing La Escuela Ramiro Colón: A Community Initiative in Ponce

The school renovation project at La Escuela Ramiro Colón marks a significant step in revitalizing an institution that has been unused for over a decade. Situated at the entrance of Ponce, adjacent to Charles H. Terry Sports Park and La Escuela Rafael Pujals, this site holds immense potential. Currently managed by the City of Ponce, it has become a haven for squatters and looters, highlighting the urgent need for action.

Campo Atlético Charles H. Terry - Wikipedia

Partnership with COODEP

On August 29th, 2024, the City of Ponce Legislature approved a ten-year lease to the local sports cooperative, COODEP. In exchange, COODEP will renovate and repurpose La Escuela Ramiro Colón to offer Olympic sports such as:
Fencing
Boxing
Lacrosse
In collaboration with nonprofit organizations like Ponce Lions and Puerto Rico Lacrosse, COODEP aims to enhance sports opportunities for local children. The program will cater to first through fifth graders, with the long-term vision of developing candidates for future National Teams.
Learn more about Puerto Rico Lacrosse

Our Goals and Vision

We strive to foster social entrepreneurship and community rebuilding through sports. By providing a vibrant space for youth engagement, we aim to:

Strengthen Community Ties

Bringing people together through sports to build unity and support youth development.

Create Pathways for Youth

Empowering young athletes to compete on national and international stages through sports opportunities.
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A Vision for the Future

The renovation of La Escuela Ramiro Colón and Charles H. Terry Sports Park is more than just a construction project—it is a long-term vision of hope. With the support of local organizations, the private sector, and the community, we aim to transform this abandoned space into a vibrant youth development and engagement hub.
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Collaboration and Community Engagement

We partner with local authorities, the private sector, and government departments. Key initiatives include:

Upcoming Event
December 6th, 2024

Join us on this event, as athletic directors from southern Puerto Rico gather to earn certifications and explore our vision for youth sports in Ponce.

Marketing and Development Initiatives

We are collaborating with tourism, sports, and business development officials to bring Puerto Rico national lacrosse teams to Ponce.

Community
Lacrosse Clinics

We will organize lacrosse clinics to introduce the sport and engage the local community.
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Get Involved

Donate

Contribute to the renovation project and support youth programs.

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Volunteer

Join our team in organizing events and clinics.

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Spread the Word

Share our mission and help us reach a broader audience.

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Testimonials from Our Community

"Working with the Matos Family on Island Development projects along with newly established Ponce Lions and COODEP has opened new opportunities for Puerto Rico Lacrosse to share our sport with local student-athletes, with the City of Ponce and the island of Puerto Rico. La Esceula Ramiro Colon Colon project allows us to showcase what our organization is all about and our commitment to the island of Puerto Rico."

Miguel Lozada, President Puerto Rico Lacrosse.

"Our Vision for La Escuela Ramiro Colon community building project runs parallel with the values of Puerto Rico Lacrosse and the Ponce Lions. We look forward to managing the club's day-to-day activities and being the local liaison to help establish a lacrosse program for the local community."

Jose Miguel Hernandez, President COODEP

"Rauli and his father, Raul “Papush”, came to our show in the initial days of their venture into our City. Rauli is always welcome to our show to share the latest news and to be the voice of Lacrosse in our City of Ponce."

Luis Lugo, Radio Host for Radio Leo Sports Program and Professor Emeritus of La Escuela Rafael Pujals.

"The moment I first picked up the stick in the 6th grade, I immediately fell in love with the sport of lacrosse. Lacrosse has taught me discipline, how to handle adversity, and, more importantly, never to give up. You can’t put a price on the values that sport teaches you, which is why it is so essential to defuse not only lacrosse but sports as a whole in the city of Ponce. I’m glad lacrosse has allowed me to start this social project and do something bigger than myself. The school project is unique to me as my great-great-grandfather, Lucas P. Valdivieso, was the original philanthropist in 1909 when the park was founded. This is a fact we learned when we first started scouting potential parks. Continuing what my great-great-great-grandfather started generations ago fills me with pride, motivating me even more to work on this community development project."

Rauli Matos, Founder Ponce Lions and U20 Puerto Rico National Lacrosse Team Member.

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Watch this story by Raul Matos on Instagram before it disappears.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the project timeline?
The initial renovation phase is expected to be completed within 12 months.
How is the project funded?
The project is funded through private funds and community donations.
Will there be a lacrosse program in Ponce?
The plan will focus on our youngest members, 1st to 5th graders. Even so, we will organize clinics, camps, and training for local athletic directors. These events will be shared via our social media.
What is the size of the field required for lacrosse?
Good question! Depending on the type of game played, Conventional, Sixes, or Box, the field varies in size. The plan for the Ponce Lions is to focus on Sixes as this is the size selected for the Olympics for Lacrosse. This size is manageable for younger players and lots of fun. Follow the link to the rules and field sizes. Sixes - World Lacrosse
Is Ponce Lions the only Club in Puerto Rico?
No. Puerto Rico Lacrosse has other local teams in the metropolitan area. These teams are the Pit Bulls, Espartanos, Pitirres, and Torugas. They are all very young programs that have just started at schools and local clubs.  Island Development – Puerto Rico Lacrosse
Does Puerto Rico's Lacrosse national teams practice there, and can we see the global lacrosse community on the island of Puerto Rico?
Yes. The National Teams come to Puerto Rico for practices before significant tournaments. Most recently, the women's U20 team visited Puerto Rico in the summer of 2024 before their World Championship games in Hong Kong. Check out this promotional video to share our passion for the island: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CwINlIdjrzhgZ0IHGadApdEf-QRNO0uk/view. 

The U20 men will come to Puerto Rico in the summer of 2025 before the World Games in South Korea. 2025 World Lacrosse Men's U20 Championship - World Lacrosse. For more information, please keep posted via our social media platforms to join our events.