By Patrick Lujan
Houston Texans football player J.J. Watt may be getting all the publicity for so far raising over $32 million in relief for Hurricane Harvey, but others are doing their part as well.
Guam’s Kevin Cruz, a multiple champion jiu-jitsu practitioner who moved to Houston earlier this year, is doing his part in helping his new community in Texas.
Cruz came away virtually unscathed in the aftermath of the Texas hurricane in late August, but it was his roots here on Guam that moved him to make a difference in the lives of those affected as he started a GoFundMe relief campaign called ‘Hope For Houston’ and will be in the featured card in a jiu-jitsu event at The Woodlands this Friday night in Texas with all proceeds going toward the relief efforts.
“My drive for Houston in the midst of Hurricane Harvey comes from the ways in which I was brought up and how many of us were brought up on our island,” Cruz said. “Our culture was birthed off of family, values, respect and reciprocity (helping and giving back) and although I don’t reside on our beautiful island paradise anymore, I will still continue to live by those morals and values.
“While I was waiting for the hurricane to pass, it brought a flash back of growing up on Guam experiencing typhoons on a regular basis. I remember everyone all over Guam coming together as a community to help one another get back on their feet. I thought to myself I have to do something. This is the reason why I created my GoFundMe relief campaign called ‘HOPEFORHOUSTON’ which grabbed a lot of friends and families attention worldwide. What I wish for everyone at home on Guam or any other part of the world, if you were brought up with the same values and morals coming from the island, let’s spread the håfa adai spirit.”
On top of that, the Carlson Gracie, Jr. (Guam) protege’ will be featured in a BJJ superfight to help the hurricane relief efforts as well.
“This specific event is special because the event coordinator/match maker Seth Daniels will be donating all proceeds from his upcoming events to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. The format for the superfights comply with the IBJJF time format for belt color. The catch is the only way to claim victory is by, of course, submission or being the more aggressive/offensive fighter. No points or advantages are allowed which makes the event push for a more spectator-friendly match.”
Good luck to Kevin. Win or lose the match, his giving heart has already made him a greater champion from home.
GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
Events for March
17th
Events for March
18th
Events for March
19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
Events for March
24th
Events for March
25th
Events for March
27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for March
30th
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon