Las Justas

The Justas de Atletismo y Festival Deportivo de Puerto Rico (English: Puerto Rico Athletic Games and Sports Festival) —better known as Las Justas Intercolegiales[1] (English: The Intercollegiate Games) or simply as Las Justas (English: The Games)— is an intercollegiate sports competition held annually in Puerto Rico where Puerto Rican colleges and universities compete against each other in different sports.[2][3] The event is sponsored by the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria de Puerto Rico (LAI). The event usually include competitions in softball, basketball, beach volleyball, judo, table tennis, swimming, cheerleading, women's football, and athletics.[4]

Justas de Atletismo y Festival Deportivo
(Justas Intercolegiales[1])
FormerlyJustas Intercolegiales[1]
ConferenceFISU
Founded1929
CommissionerJosé Enrique Arrarás[2]
Sports fielded
  • 14
    • men's: 16
    • women's: 13
No. of teams21
HeadquartersPonce, Puerto Rico
RegionPuerto Rico and U.S.V.I.

The sporting event is supplemented by artistic presentations every evening after athletic events have come to an end.[5] The athletics portion of the events is attended by some 20,000 spectators, while the cultural events receive upwards of 150,000 guests.[6]

For many years the event was held in San Juan, but in 1993 it was moved to the city of Ponce, where - except for 2010 and 2016 – it has been held since. The week-long event takes place during the month of April.[7] Due to the 2020 Puerto Rico earthquakes in the Ponce area, the 2020 edition of the Justas was moved from Ponce and were scheduled to take place in Mayagüez from 23 to 25 April at the Jose Antonio Figueroa Freyle Stadium.[8] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria (LAI) announced on 15 March 2020, that the event was being suspended and that a new future date would be sought.[9] Given the island-wide COVID-19 curfew and lockdown ordered by the Government of Puerto Rico subsequent to the 15 March LAI suspension decision date, on 13 April 2020 the LAI announced the event could not be held and canceled it for the remainder of the 2020 season.[10] The 2021 version of the event was also cancelled due to the pandemic.[11][12] The 2022 season is scheduled for 1-7 May 2022.[13]

History
Las Justas 2018, Plaza Las Delicias, Ponce

Las Justas date back to the creation of Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria de Puerto Rico (English: Puerto Rico Intercollegiate Athletic League). The league was founded in 1929 by Cosme Beitía of the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, Charles Leker for the Instituto Politécnico de San German, and Luis Izquierdo Galo y José D. Morales from the Colegio de Agricultura y Artes Mecánicas of Mayagüez. Las Justas began as a three-event competition between the institutions in the year 1929: baseball, basketball, and athletics.[14]

Originally it included only male participants but starting with the 1969-1970 academic year women began competing as well. Las Justas had been moved to Ponce in 1993 as a test for the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games.[5] For many years the event was held in San Juan, but in 1993[15] the event was moved to the city of Ponce[16] which has all the required facilities for holding the event.[17] In 2010 the event was held in Mayagüez in preparation for the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.[18] The event resumed in Ponce in 2011, and continued in Ponce in 2012.[19]

Venue

Sporting events take place at the sports facilities of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico, the athletic field at urbanización Villa del Carmen, Polideportivo at urbanización Los Caobos, Paquito Montaner Stadium, Auditorio Juan Pachín Vicéns, and the Piscina Olímpica Víctor Vassallo.[20][21] Musical events take place at Plaza Las Delicias.[22] La Guancha is also another recreational and musical venue.[23]

Security

With over 200,000[7] people attending Las Justas every year, security has been a major concern.[24] In 2010, for example, 13 people were arrested for drug activities during the events.[1] Las Justas, it is said, has evolved into a Puerto Rican-style Spring Break.[25] Close to 1,500 security personnel patrol the event for security.[7] A number of items are not permitted in the areas where activities of Las Justas are celebrated, including both sporting events and associated musical celebrations. Coolers, liquids not in their original containers, glass bottles, umbrellas, baseball bats, canes, and fire arms are some of the items that are excluded.[26] In 2012, Enrique Arrarás Mir, the Commissioner of the event, said that “the safest place in all of Puerto Rico during the celebration of Las Justas will be the city of Ponce”.[23] In 2011, in Mayaguez, there were also arrests for drunkness and drug trafficking.[27] In 2014, electronic scanners were implemented at checkpoints, doing away with the former and slower manual frisk system.[28]

Economy

In 2009, it was estimated that Las Justas generate close to $6 million USD in income resulting from food and other sales as well as lodging.[7] In addition to donating the use of the facilities throughout the city,[29] the Ponce Municipal Government also contributes $200,000 to the costs of celebrating Las Justas in Ponce.[30][31]

Broadcast

The events are relayed via DIRECTV (Puerto Rico Channel 161) and via Canal Universitario Ana G. Méndez “Sistema TV” on channels 40 and 26, as well as streamed via www.sistematv.com.[19]

Sports played

Participants

As of 2012, twenty-one universities participate in the event as follows:[30][32]

Institution (English) Institution (Spanish) Acronym Location Year joined
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras UPR San Juan, Puerto Rico 1929
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez RUM Mayagüez, Puerto Rico 1929
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico UIPR San German, Puerto Rico 1929
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico Pontificia Universidad Católica de Puerto Rico PUCPR Ponce, Puerto Rico 1954
University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Universidad de Puerto Rico en Cayey UPRC Cayey, Puerto Rico 1971
University of Turabo Universidad del Turabo UT Gurabo, Puerto Rico 1975
University of Puerto Rico at Humacao Universidad de Puerto Rico en Humacao UPRH Humacao, Puerto Rico 1975
University of the Sacred Heart Universidad del Sagrado Corazón USC Santurce, Puerto Rico 1979
University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón Universidad de Puerto Rico en Bayamón UPRB Bayamón, Puerto Rico 1980
University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo Universidad de Puerto Rico en Arecibo UPRA Arecibo, Puerto Rico 1983
American University of Puerto Rico Universidad Americana de Puerto Rico AUPR Bayamón, Puerto Rico 1991
Bayamón Central University Universidad Central de Bayamón UCB Bayamón, Puerto Rico 1991
University of Puerto Rico at Ponce Universidad de Puerto Rico en Ponce UPRP Ponce, Puerto Rico 1992
University of Puerto Rico at Aguadilla Universidad de Puerto Rico en Aguadilla UPAG Aguadilla, Puerto Rico 1992
University of Puerto Rico at Carolina Universidad de Puerto Rico en Carolina UPCA Carolina, Puerto Rico 1994
University of Puerto Rico at Utuado Universidad de Puerto Rico en Utuado UPRU Utuado, Puerto Rico 1998
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico POLI San Juan, Puerto Rico 1999
University of the East Universidad del Este UNE Carolina, Puerto Rico 2005
Metropolitan University Universidad Metropolitana UMET San Juan, Puerto Rico 2005
Caribbean University Universidad Caribeña CU Bayamón, Puerto Rico 2005
University of the Virgin Islands Universidad de las Islas Vírgenes UVI Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 2005

Winners

According to Gabrielle Paese, Las Justas have become “a power struggle between just two universities: [Universidad del ] Turabo, the Caguas school in the Ana G. Mendez system, versus San German’s Inter American University. Led by two strong track coaches (Luis Dieppa of Turabo and Freddy Vargas of Inter American U., respectively) the schools compete for the overall title. That means the meet becomes more about which school accumulates the most points and less about individual performance.”[25]

2011

The 2011 winners were as follows:[29][33]

Men's competitions

Women's competitions

2012

The 2012 winners were as follows:[34]

Men’s competitions

Women’s competitions

2013

The 2013 winners were as follows:[35]

Men’s competitions

Women’s competitions
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2020

Games not celebrated due to the Covid-19 pandemic.[36][37]

2021

Games not celebrated due to the Covid-19 pandemic.[38]

References
  1. Arrestan a 13 por drogas en las actividades de las Justas. El Sur a la Vista. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  2. LAI calienta motores para Mayaguez 2010. Primera Hora. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  3. Para las Justas 2011: Pronostican cifra récord de asistencia. (Title in printed version: "Pronostican las Justas mas concurridas de la historia.") Jason Rodriguez Grafal. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. (Title in printed version: "Pronostican las Justas mas concurridas de la historia." Year 29. Issue 1427. Page 4.) 6 April 2011. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  4. A un mes de las Justas de la LAI: Hoy inicia el conteo regresivo para el famoso evento deportivo. CyberNews. El Vocero. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 12 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  5. En sondeo de La Perla del Sur: Unánime el reclamo por las Justas. Jason Rodríguez Grafal. Ponce, Puerto Rico: La Perla del Sur. Year 27. Issue 1347. Page 6. 23 September 2009. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  6. Justas de la LAI serán en Mayagüez este año: Debido a los terremotos y la situación de emergencia en Ponce. NotiCentro. WAPA Deportes. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 10 February 2020. Accessed 10 February 2020.
  7. Alcaldesa de Ponce presenta plan de seguridad para las Justas. Emanuel Antonio Vera. Primera Hora. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 9 April 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  8. Justas de la LAI serán en Mayagüez este año: Debido a los terremotos y la situación de emergencia en Ponce. NotiCentro. WAPA Deportes. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 10 February 2020. Accessed 10 February 2020.
  9. La Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria suspende las Justas de Atletismo en Mayagüez La competición, que estaba pautada para el 23 de abril, no está cancelada definitivamente y se buscarán nuevas fechas. El Nuevo Dia. Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. 15 March 2020. Accessed 20 April 2020.
  10. Cancelada la actividad deportiva de la LAI ante emergencia por el COVID-19. Voces del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 13 April 2020. Accessed 20 April 2020.
  11. A la sombra del repunte del Covid: regresan las Justas a Ponce. Jason Rodríguez Grafal. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Year 39. Issue 2003. pp.3-4. 20-26 April 2022. Accessed 20 April 2022. Archive.
  12. Interés en Ponce para albergar las Justas LAI en 2022. Pedro Menéndez Sanabria. Voces del Sur. 22 January 2021. Accessed 2 February 2021.
  13. Justas de la LAI regresan a Ponce del 1 al 7 de mayo. EsNoticia. Issue 162. 28 January to 10 February 2022. pp.14-15. Accessed 28 January 2022. Archived.
  14. Wilfredo Torres. Historia de las Justas, 1929-1998. San German, Puerto Rico. 1999.
  15. Terminan las justas y “Síguelo pa’ Ponce 2011” . El Sur a la Vista. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  16. Las Justas se quedan en Ponce. Amigos de Ponce. 21 January 2010. Univision. (Originally published in El Nuevo Dia Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  17. Alcaldesa solicita formalmente el regreso de las justas a Ponce. El Sur a la Vista. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  18. LAI calienta motores para Mayagüez 2010. Primera Hora. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 18 November 2009. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  19. Ponce se duplicará durante las Justas. Jason Rodríguez Grafal. Ponce, Puerto Rico: La Perla del Sur. Year 30. Issue 1480. Page 4. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2012.
  20. Se apercibe Ponce para las Justas. Archived 2012-05-04 at the Wayback Machine Raúl Camilo Torres. El Vocero. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012. There is an error in the news media report: Sixto Escobar is not located in Ponce, but in San Juan. As such the news report should say Paquito Montaner which is the stadium in Ponce for baseball, track and field or other similar athletic activities
  21. Retendrá las Justas por dos años más. Reinaldo Millán. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Year 31. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  22. Se apercibe Ponce para las Justas. Archived 2012-05-04 at the Wayback Machine Raúl Camilo Torres. El Vocero. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  23. Ponce se duplicará durante las Justas. Jason Rodríguez Grafal. Ponce, Puerto Rico: La Perla del Sur. Year 30. Issue 1480. Page 4. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  24. Justas: otro año sin incidentes graves. Omar Alfonso. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  25. Justas: Is it a track meet or an excuse to party?. Gabrielle Paese. Puerto Rico Herald. 22 April 2005. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  26. Se apercibe Ponce para las Justas. Archived 2012-05-04 at the Wayback Machine Raúl Camilo Torres. El Vocero. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  27. Rival en el horizonte: Quieren repetir Justas alcaldes del Oeste. Luis Penchi. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  28. No habrá cacheo en las Justas de Ponce. (Title printed version: Comisionado: No habra cateo en las Justas de Ponce.) Jason Rodríguez Grafal. La Perla del Sur. Year 32. Issue 1583. Page 6. 2 April 2014. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  29. Retendrá las Justas por dos años más. Reinaldo Millán. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  30. Regresan las Justas LAI a Ponce. Primera Hora. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 8 September 2010. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  31. Puja por las Justas. Esteban Pagán Rivera. Primera Hora. San Juan, Puerto Rico. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  32. Siguen celebrando en la Inter y la UMET tras victorias en la LAI. Noticias Sur P.R. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012. Archived.
  33. Siguen Celebrando en la Inter y la UMET Tras Victorias an la LAI. Noticias Sur P.R. 18 April 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  34. Justas de Campeonato 2012 - 4/17/2012 a 4/19/2012: Lugar por Equipos - Hasta el Evento 44. Liga Atletica Interuniversitaria. 2011 scores. Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  35. INTER y UMET ganan las Justas 2013. Zacha Acosta. La Perla del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 21 April 2013. (Printed edition: Se Cumple la Profecia de las Justas. 21 April 2013. Year 31. Issue 1534. Page 53.) Retrieved 24 April 2013.
  36. La Liga Atlética Interuniversitaria suspende las Justas de Atletismo en Mayagüez La competición, que estaba pautada para el 23 de abril, no está cancelada definitivamente y se buscarán nuevas fechas. El Nuevo Dia. Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. 15 March 2020. Accessed 20 April 2020. Archived.
  37. Cancelada la actividad deportiva de la LAI ante emergencia por el COVID-19. Voces del Sur. Ponce, Puerto Rico. 13 April 2020. Accessed 20 April 2020. Archived.
  38. Interés en Ponce para albergar las Justas LAI en 2022. Pedro Menéndez Sanabria. Voces del Sur. 22 January 2021. Accessed 2 February 2021. Archived.
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