NORCECA recognizes former president Luis Mendoza

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, May 22, 2013 – Puerto Rican Luis –Lulo- Mendoza, a former president of NORCECA, was recipient on Tuesday of the Golden Grand Cordon, the highest honor conferred by the institution.

The ceremony, chaired by NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz and Nelson Perez Cruz, President of Puerto Rican National Federation, and Sara Rosario, president of the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee, took place at the Four Point Sheraton in Caguas.

The decoration was presented by Marte Hoffiz, who underlined the long and outstanding services of Mendoza in favor of the sport of volleyball at national, regional and world level.

“Our great friend Lulo Mendoza has dedicated with passion most part of his life to volleyball and NORCECA will be always in debt with him,” Marte Hoffiz stated. “His contributions go far beyond Puerto Rico to make its presence at the international scene.”

In his introduction words, Perez Cruz praised the qualities of Mendoza and his vision of volleyball as sport discipline.

“This gentleman can see volleyball in a different was we see it,” Perez Cruz said. “He is a purist of volleyball who can see the essence of this sport to its utmost expression. I would say we are paying homage to a person that if volleyball can be transformed into a human being that would be Lulo Mendoza.”

Mendoza, a lawyer by profession, said to be glad and honored by the recognition and while admitting he has been with delicate health lately, he is convinced he will continue supporting the sport he loves so much for the rest of his life.

Several members of NORCECA Executive Committee made the trip to Puerto Rico to be present in the special ceremony. They were: Guatemala’s Marta Centeno and Trinidad / Tobago’s Mushtaque Mohammed, presidents of AFECAVOL and CAZOVA, respectively, Lucille Hobson of U.S. Virgin Islands, Bertha Cuadra of Nicaragua and Mireya Luis of Cuba

Also, Nelson Ramirez, executive director, Jesus Prieto, Treasurer, Arnaldo Sanchez and Jose Perez Vento, presidents of Beach Volleyball and Refereeing Commissions, respectively, and Arateide Cáceres, director of national federations.

Local personalities and authorities who attended the ceremony included Elliott Matias, vice president of Puerto Rican National Federation, Julia Beltran, administrative secretary, Jaime Lamboy, president of FIVB Legal Commission, Juan Cartagena, assistant to the Secretary of Recreation and Sports, Gema Figueroa Director of Alumni for University of Puerto Rico at Cayey. Also former players Luis “Tito” Rodriguez and Orlando Flores as well as former referees Roy Velez, Salvador Ortiz and Jose Llaurador.

Mendoza was the third president of NORCECA Confederation (1988-2001) as he succeeded countryman Libertario Perez (1984-88). He was also president of the Puerto Rican National Federation (1986-95) and coached the women’s national team in the 70s. He was also president of the FIVB Legal Commission and member of the FIVB Rules of the Game Commission.