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Lacrosse is recognized as the world’s fastest-growing sport, with the Federation of International Lacrosse promoting its expansion and popularity, showcasing how lacrosse around the world is uniting lacrosse the nations, including the rise of nepa lacrosse.

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World Lacrosse Welcomes Panama Lacrosse As Its 66th Member-National Governing Body

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 22, 2020

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, USA — World Lacrosse, the federation of international lacrosse, today welcomed Panama Lacrosse as the newest member-National Governing Body with the International Federation. With the addition of Panama Lacrosse, membership in World Lacrosse now stands at 66 National Governing Bodies around the world.

“We are all very excited to welcome Panama Lacrosse to the World Lacrosse family,” said Bob DeMarco, World Lacrosse Board of Directors Member and Development Director. “Panama becomes the 17th member from the Pan-American Region and we are thrilled to be part of their growth in lacrosse around the world.”

The President and CEO of Panama Lacrosse is Ryland Huyghue.

The sport of lacrosse continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and membership in World Lacrosse has increased by more than 240 percent since 2002. In the last 10 months alone, in addition to Panama, World Lacrosse has welcomed new member-National Governing Bodies from Ghana, Barbados and Lithuania.

In 2019, World Lacrosse hosted its largest-ever Women’s U19 World Championship (22 teams; nine competing for the first time) and Men’s Indoor World Championship (20 teams; four competing for the first time). The organization also continued expanding the educational resources and services provided to its members and opened its first-ever headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.

In November 2018, World Lacrosse gained Provisional Recognition from the International Olympic Committee. The President of World Lacrosse is Sue Redfern of England and the Chief Executive Officer is Jim Scherr of the United States.

Media Contact: Darryl Seibel

Email: dseibel@worldlacrosse.sport

Silhouettes of two lacrosse players with a lacrosse stick against bright background.

Grass Roots Team Development

Young girl playing lacrosse, mid-air with stick and goggles.

After-school lacrosse training sessions are an essential part of developing skills in the sport, reflecting the growing popularity of lacrosse around the world, as recognized by the Federation of International Lacrosse. These training sessions not only help players improve their techniques but also connect them to the broader community of lacrosse the nations, including organizations like NEPA lacrosse, which fosters talent and teamwork.

Kings College, Ancon, Panama, and Knightsbridge Schools, Veracruz, Panama, are among the institutions that participate in promoting lacrosse around the world. Other notable schools include the International School of Panama, Panama City, Panama, and The Metropolitan School of Panama, also located in Panama City. Balboa Academy, situated in Ciudad del Saber, Panama, and The Pan-American School Club de Golf in Panama City further contribute to the growing interest in lacrosse. Additionally, Colegio de Panama, El Colegio de Panama, and Colegio Saint Mary de Panama in Panama City are fostering young talent in the sport. Colegio Javier Ancón, Panamá, and Crossroads Christian Academy Omar Torrijos-Herrera, Panama City, are also part of this vibrant educational landscape that supports the federation of international lacrosse and the development of nepa lacrosse, bridging connections across lacrosse the nations.

We are excited to introduce our lacrosse programs to various schools, focusing on both league development and after-school lacrosse initiatives. Our plans include forming a high school lacrosse league for boys and girls, participating in the under-19 boys’ and girls’ world championships in 2020, and establishing a men’s and women’s national team to compete in the next World Championship in 2022. These teams will aim to qualify for the World Championships organized by the federation of international lacrosse, showcasing lacrosse around the world and representing lacrosse the nations. Additionally, we are promoting nepa lacrosse to ensure a strong foundation for future athletes.

Global Networking

We aim to use lacrosse as a tool for educational advancement and networking in affluent communities in the United States, Canada, and other lacrosse-playing nations, in line with the goals of the federation of international lacrosse. This initiative will open new networking circles for the citizens of Panama and enhance the visibility of lacrosse around the world.

By growing lacrosse in Panama, we will also introduce a new stream of sports tourism. We will invite experienced coaches and players to conduct camps while showcasing the activities and sights of Panama.

Every year, we will host an invitational lacrosse tournament and clinic, inviting teams from across the globe to participate. Additionally, we will establish a Central American lacrosse championship that will be held in Panama, promoting lacrosse the nations.

Through partnerships with lacrosse organizations in other countries, including those in Maryland, Long Island, and California—areas with a rich tradition in lacrosse—we will expose Panama to a wider audience. This collaboration will not only promote the sport but also attract avid sailors and marine life hobbyists, creating new marketing avenues for Panama while supporting the growth of nepa lacrosse.

Strengthening the Athletic Brand of Panama

To align with the growing trend of lacrosse around the world, nations such as Colombia, Jamaica, Haiti, and Puerto Rico are currently participating in the sport. Additionally, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic are establishing their own lacrosse organizations.

Panama has traditionally been a leader in sports in the region, and our lacrosse program aims to be the governing body and premier lacrosse program in Panama. With the support of Hall of Fame coach Ryland Huyghue, Olympic speed coach Ed Lovelace, and other experienced lacrosse players, coaches, and administrators, we are committed to providing Panamanian players with a competitive advantage over other teams in the region, in line with the standards set by the Federation of International Lacrosse and the growing interest in nepa lacrosse.

Partnerships

We are honored to be accepted as a member of the governing organizations of lacrosse, including the federation of international lacrosse, World Lacrosse, and the Pan American Lacrosse Association. Through our partnerships with Copa Air, Mylacor Spirits/Luxury Goods, and future collaborations, we aim to raise funds via merchandise sales to support lacrosse around the world.

Additionally, we are partnering with hotels and casinos to establish ourselves as the premier lacrosse-playing destination in the area, hosting tournaments and, eventually, the world championships, and representing the spirit of lacrosse the nations embrace, especially in the context of nepa lacrosse.

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