Puerto Rico Basketball Federation elects new President and Central Board

SAN JUAN (Americas) - Sunday was a historic day in Puerto Rican basketball. The first-ever National Congress was held in the Pedrin Zorrilla Coliseum in the capital city of the island where Yum Ramos was elected as the new President of the basketball federation, along with a new Central Board.

The election had 141 votes in a complete revamp of the national federation's electoral process in which every sector of the basketball community was represented. Regional and affiliated league presidents, clubs, players, coaches, referees, statisticians and even individuals had a vote.

Yum Ramos was elected president by getting 77% of the vote against fellow candidates Flor Melendez, Jose Otero and Angel Allende.

Ramos' proposed work team was also elected. Victor Ortiz was chosen as Secretary General, Ricardo Dalmau as Treasurer, and Mario "Quijote" Morales, Pamela Rosado, Alberto Arroyo, Yanira Liceaga, Angel Toro, Gidel Padilla, Kenny Hernandez and Carlos Severino as Representatives of the Public Interest.

They make up the new Central Board of the national federation along with every President of the national federation Leagues and a representative of the players, statisticians, coaches, referees, technical commission, one from each affiliated league and the newly constituted regions within the federation.

The Central Board will be responsible for the administration and direction of the national federation.

"It is a truly historic day. One where every member of the basketball community showed unity to elect this new Central Board. I would love to maintain this sense of unity. There are no enemies here, we are one basketball family.", said Ramos.

"Your trust in me and my colleagues makes me emotional. I guarantee you that we won't disappoint. We live in a country going through economic hardship and difficult moments. There is still a lot of work to be done.", concluded.