Puerto Rico has made sports history on ice.

On March 12th, 2005, only five months after becoming an International Skating Union (ISU) member a Puerto Rican figure skater representing the Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation competed in an international competition. Seven months later, the same skater, Victoria Muniz, made sports history for a second time in Sofia, Bulgaria. At a Junior Grand Prix event, Victoria opened the door for proud young Puerto Rican athletes around the world by placing 10th out of 31 nations-an unprecedented achievement by any young athlete for a new Provisional member of the ISU. No other new ISU member has had a better showing at a JPG event in the first year. Most recently, Victoria competed at Jr. Worlds in Ljubljana, Slovenia where she placed 16th in the qualifying rounds out of 27 nations. It was the first time Puerto Rico sent an athlete to Jr. Worlds. The ISU is the exclusive international sports federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) administering figure skating throughout the world.

Many countries throughout the figure skating world have embraced the Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation, under the leadership of Lynette Spano, with this highly respectable success, “It is very exciting to say that Puerto Rico, a tropical island, has made history.”-Lynette Spano

The Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation was formed with the hope of someday developing the sport on the island and representing Puerto Rico in international competition. The PRFSF has begun to do just that by committing itself to budding young talent of Puerto Rican descent. After recently opening its doors to eager children, the federation began the process of implementing a learn-to-skate program at the ice rink in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico.

By generating the membership, the federation has located many skaters who show great potential. Many of the federation’s member athletes have enjoyed success in the United States Figure Skating Federation (USFSA) regional and national competitions before deciding to join the PRFSF.

Spano’s goals and aspirations do not end here. To this dynamic leader this is only the beginning of her passionate dream. And anyone who has had conversation with Lynette will realize this is not a dream but a certain reality. “This is not about one athlete, this is about building a national team.”-Lynette Spano

With Spano’s guidance and support of the PRFSF many athletes are being prepared for national and international competition. A triumphant Puerto Rican National Championship competition was held on March 25th, 2006 in Mount Laurel, N.J. where a record twelve competitors skated for championship titles. The PRFSF championships will be held on Puerto Rican soil next year at the new ice facility in Aguadilla.

“This is really a grassroots program for skaters that are representing Puerto Rico for the first time,” said Jeff DiGregorio, an international world coach. DiGregorio, who worked with U.S. Olympians Tara Lipinski and Sarah Hughes, has taken on a mentoring role to the Puerto Rican National team.

The PRFSF is also breaking new ground with the “Latin Cup” initiative, an international event to be held in early 2007, which is in the proposal stages and awaiting approval by the International Skating Union (ISU). While the ISU is very excited about the Latin Cup event it has not yet been sanctioned as and ISU event. It is our hope that we will be able to accomplish this once the proposal phase is complete. We have been in communication with the member federations of Italy, Andorra, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic. These are very exciting times for Puerto Rican figure skaters. “We are anticipating a strong National team at this international competition,” remarked Spano.

“It is very encouraging to see young Latinos pursuing their destinies. For that reason I have become an advocate of the Puerto Rican Figure Skating Federation. The PRFSF is giving Latino youth an opportunity to develop tremendous pride and self-discipline. The federation is dedicated to promoting participation in the sport and assisting those children who otherwise may never have had the opportunity to experience figure skating. It is very exciting to watch this outstanding federation evolve. I anticipate a great future for the PRFSF. My commitment to their mission is fervent.” -Edward James Olmos, Actor, Supporter