The Cangrejeros de Santurce have announced that Celimar Rivera, a sign language interpreter for the national anthem, will accompany the team for all remaining home games of the season at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
This initiative makes the Santurce-based team the first in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) to provide such accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community during games.
The announcement was made via the team’s official social media channels on April 21, 2026, emphasizing their belief that passion for basketball knows no barriers.
Celimar Rivera will perform the national anthem in American Sign Language (ASL) before each home game, ensuring inclusive access for all fans attending matches at the venue.
The team’s commitment to inclusivity aligns with broader efforts in sports to accommodate diverse audiences, though specific details about Rivera’s background or the exact number of games remaining in the season were not disclosed in the announcement.
The Coliseo Roberto Clemente, located in San Juan, serves as the home arena for the Cangrejeros de Santurce and has been their primary venue for BSN games.
As the first team in the BSN to implement this measure, the Cangrejeros aim to set a precedent for accessibility in Puerto Rican professional basketball.
Fans can follow updates on the team’s official social media accounts for further details about game schedules and community initiatives.
The team encourages all spectators to enjoy the games in an inclusive environment that celebrates the universal love for basketball.
