The Puerto Rico Weightlifting Federation is set to host the 42nd edition of the El Criollo International Weightlifting Tournament in Caguas, which will bring together over 150 national and international weightlifters. The tournament will take place from October 1 to 4 at the Raúl Papaleo court, located in the legendary Gautier Benitez school. The event will honor the three medalists from the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, including Luis González, who will be in attendance.
The federation's president, Andrés Vargas, announced that the tournament will dedicate this edition to Raúl Papaleo, a recognized educator who worked with young people in various sports, including weightlifting. Over 150 weightlifters from 14 federative leagues, US clubs with Puerto Rican athletes, Colombia, and several Caribbean islands have confirmed their participation.