For the Love of Puerto Rico

My name is Pariis Garcia. I am 22 years old and I run for the Puerto Rican Athletics national team. I first competed for Puerto Rico during my junior year of college in 2015. It was also the year I began to notice great potential in myself as a track and field athlete. After winning the 2015 Big East Conference Championship Indoor and Outdoor in the 400m , I didn’t know my track and field experience could get any better. The day the Puerto Rican Athletics Federation called me to compete in the Pan American Games was euphoric. I hung up the phone, fell to my knees, immediately started crying and thanking God for what He was doing in my life. 



Initially, my love for Puerto Rico was for my roots, knowing where my family came from and knowing how I came to be who I am. A love of the culture. Since competing all over the world in a Puerto Rican uniform, I began to develop a different love. During my many visits home since the Pan American Games, I fell in love with the people living there. I was able to see more of my beautiful country. A sense of ownership and pride began to develop in me.

This is the home of my family and now feels like my own. I love Puerto Rico. My only wish is to make the country proud as I continue my athletics career, running for this beautiful land. 

I am currently collecting items to bring to Puerto Rico to help them from the effects of hurricane Maria. Please reach out via email or on my instagram if you would to donate. 
Thank you!

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