Cruce a Nado Internacional

A crowd attends the 39th Cruce a Nado Internacional at Bahía de Ponce, Barrio Playa, Ponce, Puerto Rico

The competition started in 1980[12] under the sponsorship of the Ponce Municipal Government.[13] It has gained popularity every year with a greater number of athletes participating from an equally greater number of countries. In 2008, 16 countries were represented.[14] The competition abides by the rules of the Federación Internacional de Natación (FINA) (International Swimming Federation) and the approval of the Federación Puertorriqueña de Natación (FPN) (Puerto Rican Swimming Federation).[15] Countries that have competed in the past include Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panamá, Puerto Rico, United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Venezuela.[16][17][18] The competition originally included local Puerto Rican swimmers only, but after two years, it was opened to foreign nationals as well.[19]

It is a common practice to dedicate the event to athletes who have made outstanding accomplishments in the sport. On 4 September 2011, the 30th annual competition was dedicated to Orlando Fernández, a.k.a. "The Puerto Rican Aquaman", the first Puerto Rican to swim across the Strait of Gibraltar, in recognition of his accomplishments.[20]

Finish line and portal at the competition. Isla Cardona, from where swimmers depart, is in the far background, between the two blue pillars of the portal

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The competition consists of crossing the Bay of Ponce from Cardona Island, which is situated about 1.5 nautical miles[21] from mainland's Puerto Rico southern shores in Ponce, to the southern shore of Puerto Rico at Ponce.[22] The entire event starts on the Thursday before the Sunday of the competitions with music, shows and traditional foods.[23] The Ponce Municipal Government contributes $20,000 to the costs of celebrating the event.[24]

Athletes are taken by boat to Isla Cardona which is located just 1.5 nautical miles from the mainland. At the sound of the whistle, athletes then swim the 2,800 meters - 1.5 nautical miles - across the bay towards sector El Malecón in Playa de Ponce.[25] Athletes arrive at Parque Enrique González[26] in Playa de Ponce, which is located across from the U.S. Customs House and has an area with steps that lead down to the bay waters.[27] The first athlete to arrive is the winner. First place, second place, and third place awards are given. The Mayor of Ponce awaits athletes at El Malecon's finish line to bestow medals, prizes and other awards on the winners.[28]

Beyond the two main competitive divisions based on gender (Men's and Women's), the 2009 event consisted of two categories: "Categoria Abierta", open to those between ages 13 and 25; and "Categoria Masters", open to those over 26 years of age.[29] The 2011 edition also had the "Over 56+" category for those 56 years old and older.[30]

As an added bonus and incentive to the first Puerto Rican who makes it to the finish line, in 2008 the municipality added the "Copa Héctor Pérez" (Spanish for Héctor Pérez Cup), which is given to the athlete with those qualities and merit. In 2008, it went to Nathaniel Ramos. Héctor Pérez Torres, born in Playa de Ponce, is a sportsman and community leader, and has been organizing the Cruce a Nado Internacional event.[31]

• Las Justas
• Ponce Grand Prix de Atletismo
• Ponce Marathon
• Ponce Grand Prix
• Carnaval de Ponce
• Feria de Artesanías de Ponce
• Ponce Jazz Festival
• Fiesta Nacional de la Danza
• Día Mundial de Ponce
• Festival Nacional de la Quenepa
• Bienal de Arte de Ponce

• See Video of Cruce al Nado HERE