The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-06-29
BY JACKK CUDDY United Press Staff Correxnnndenf


 New York June 29-(UP)-Puerto Rico, probably the most intensively sports-minded area in the world, will spend about $1,2OO, 900 during the present year to extend the is- lands sports facilities.
 This lavish layout for sports im- provement is not merely a reflection of the islands current prosperity, resulting from worldwide demands for sugar, coffee and rum. Instead, it is part of the new, permanent program outlined by the amusement and sports commission of Puerto Rico.
 This commission is headed by Julio Enrico Monagas. who has been campaigning for years for ex- tensive, government-sponsored ath- letics that will CD make the Puerto Ricans more robust and larger people, and (2) help prevent juve- nile delinquency.
 Reasons for such a lavish outlay in a land of only 2,40O, 900 popula- tion were explained today by Luis Rosario, sports columnist of the newspaper "El Imparcial" in San Juan. Rosario is in New York com- pleting plans for an island amateur baseball team to compete against five championship teams of the New York Police Athletic League at Metropolitan sites from July IA to 28.
 Rosario said, flor years Puerto Rcans have been noted for their speed, agility and competitive heart. Also for their smallness-their lack of stature. It is the purpose of our present campaign to bring instruc- tion and equipment to our able youngsters, meanwhile hoping that these athletic activities-and the clean, wholesome living they de- mand-will indirectly result later in larger and more powerful race of Puerto Ricans'
 Right now. the sweet little is- land' is proud of the stature and prowess of two of its athletes-Luis Olmo. third baseman of the Brook lyn Dodgers. and Jose Basora, pro- minent middleweight boxing con- tender. Both are nearly six feet tall. Olmo leads the National League in runs batted in with 57; and Basora recently held highly touted Ray Sugar Robinson to a draw at Philadelphia.
 We have nearly every brand of sports in Puerto Rico" Rosario con- tinued. These include horse rac- ing on three tracks and cock fight ing at 76 different mains. But we are particularly proud of our base ball, boxing and basketball"
 The sports commission will en- large the Sixto Escobar Ball Park at San Juan this year from seat ing capacity of 14,000 to 30,000. The Park is named after little Ecobar. former world bantamweight cham pion. Lighting equipment for night games will be installed before Nov ember at a cost of more than $100,- 000
 Meanwhile athletic equipment is being purchased and distributed throughout the island, and work men are readying new ball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts.
 More than 30 professional Puerto Rican boxers are now competing in the United States. Olmo and pitcher Hi Bithorn of the Cubs (now in the navy) have made the Major Leagues, and about 10 are perform ing in the minors. Two Puerto Rican leather tossers won titles in the last intercity golden gloves tourney at Chicago, and the P. R. basketball team beat St. Johns and Canisius at Madison Square Gar den last winter.
 Rosario concluded, i've are try ing to make Puerto Rico a center for big, excellent athletes-ike maybe California"