Sagrado’s delegation turns the closing of the Sports Festival into a celebration of the athletes’ commitment and spirit.
By Brenda Figueroa Gómez
Journalism Student
The final parade of the LAI Sports Festival became more than a symbolic act for Universidad del Sagrado Corazón. Amid flags, embraces, and uncontained smiles, Sagrado’s delegation walked with the certainty of having built a season that transcends results. Emotion could be felt in every step, in every glance among athletes, coaches, and university representatives, capturing in that procession the months of sacrifice.
The atmosphere, charged with pride, reflected a community that has grown together. It was not necessary to speak of numbers to understand the magnitude of the moment: six consecutive years lifting the Commissioner’s Cup, two gold medals in swimming and two gold medals in beach volleyball, a historic medal in men’s basketball after 40 years, and a landmark performance in dance that earned bronze in the overall competition. All of this was accompanied by an achievement that set the emotional tone for the finale: the gold medal in the women’s 800 meters.
For Gilberto J. Marxuach Torrós, president of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, this closing represents far more than a sporting event. “This is the result of a full year of work, sacrifice, and dedication from an extraordinary group of student-athletes and the entire university community,” he said, emphasizing that these young people embody the institution’s values both on and off the field of competition. In his view, the true achievement lies in how these students model discipline, integrity, and teamwork.
That same emotion was evident in the parade, where each participant seemed to carry not only their individual experience but also the story of a team. Athletic Director Rafael Colón described the moment as deeply moving, highlighting that the pride of representing Sagrado feels like the first time, every time. “It has been one of the most historic years for the athletic department,” he affirmed, underscoring dedication and unity as the pillars of their success.
From the track, athletics coach Nathaniel A. Hernández Algarín observed the closing with a mix of satisfaction and gratitude. For him, athletes’ growth goes beyond times and records. “Sports teach them not to give up, to work toward their goals, and to become better people,” he said. His approach, centered on holistic development, found its culmination in the performance of Kiara Villa Delgado.
The runner, visibly emotional, described her participation as an immense source of pride. “It’s my first time placing among the top, and I’m very excited,” she said after her victory in the 800 meters. Beyond the gold, she emphasized the value of the experience: the learning, the team unity, and the certainty that every effort has a purpose.
Amid the closing, the voices of different athletes echoed a shared sentiment: the family they have built. Unity, resilience, and discipline were repeated as defining elements of the season. For many, the true victory was rising after every setback and continuing forward together.
Thus, between applause and farewells, Sagrado not only closed a sports chapter but reaffirmed an identity—one built on collective commitment and projected beyond the track, the court, the sand, and the pool. In a few words, the Sagrado community can be described as one defined by dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.