10 Feb Bridging Worlds Through the Sling: Luis Ponz’s Historic Visit to Guam and the Marianas
Bridging Worlds Through the Sling: Luis Ponz’s Historic Visit to Guam and the Marianas
For thousands of years, the sling has been an integral part of Chamorro history, an emblem of resilience, survival, and cultural identity. Now, history takes an unexpected yet poetic turn as one of the world’s most renowned slingers, Luis Ponz Livermore, embarks on a journey to Guam and the Mariana Islands. His visit marks a powerful and symbolic reunion between the Balearic and Chamorro traditions of slinging—two island cultures that have independently preserved and honored this ancient craft.
A Meeting Centuries in the Making
The last time a Spaniard as formidable as Luis Ponz arrived on these shores, it was the dawn of first contact—a time of conflict, resistance, and profound change for the Chamorro people. Now, rather than conquest, this Spanish champion brings a shared passion for the sling, a tool that once defined the battlefield and now unites cultures.
Thanks to the efforts of Guam’s slinging community—including Acho Marianas, Sling Guam, the Department of Education, Guma Mahiga, GEDA (Guam Economic Development Authority), CAHA (Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency), GVB (Guam Visitors Bureau), and aspiring Chamorro slingers around the world—the Chamorro sling tradition has remained vibrant, with deep connections to the world slinging scene, including the prestigious Sling World Championships, now held at Copa del Mundo in Ibiza over the past few years (no longer in Mallorca). For years, Chamorro slingers have trained, competed, and built strong bonds with Luis Ponz, an undisputed master of the sling who has dominated the sport since childhood.
Who is Luis Ponz?
Luis Ponz Livermore is more than a champion—he is a global ambassador for slinging, a historian, and an educator. His list of accomplishments is staggering:
- Record-Holding Powerhouse: Holds multiple slinging distance records, demonstrating unmatched precision and strength.
- Master Competitor: Has won every major category in Balearic slinging tournaments, proving his dominance in the sport.
- Dedicated Educator: Trains over 1,400 students per season in Menorca’s schools, ensuring slinging’s survival for future generations.
- Leader and Innovator: Founded the first official slinging camp in Menorca, leading teams to victories across the Balearic Islands.
- Cultural Historian: Has worked on historical reenactments, documentaries, and even consulted for movies and TV series, bringing the ancient art of slinging to mainstream audiences.
His arrival in the Marianas is an unprecedented moment of cultural exchange, reinforcing the deep ties between two seafaring island cultures with parallel histories of resilience, skill, and adaptation.
Chamorro Slinging: A Legacy Unbroken
Long before European contact, the ancient Chamorros wielded the sling—called “åcho’ atupat”—as a weapon of war and a symbol of strength. The skill was honed over generations, with slingers capable of striking with deadly precision. Even today, the Chamorro sling remains an iconic piece of the island’s heritage, with its influence seen on the Guam flag, where a slinger’s stone represents the spirit of the people.
The modern resurgence of Chamorro slinging, largely thanks to organizations such as Acho Marianas, Sling Guam, and the Department of Education, has reconnected islanders with this ancestral skill. Their dedication to preserving and evolving the practice has earned recognition on the global stage, and now, with Luis Ponz’s visit, the movement gains an even greater foothold in the international slinging community.
Furthermore, in the wake of the 500th anniversary of Chamorro and Spanish mass contact in the Mariana Islands, this visit serves as a symbol of cultural evolution and unity. The exchange between Chamorro and Balearic slingers is not just about competition but about showcasing a shared history and bridging cultures through this ancient skill.
More Than Sport: A Cultural Bridge
Luis Ponz’s visit is more than an exhibition of skill—it’s a moment of cultural diplomacy. His deep respect for the heritage of slinging, combined with the Chamorro people’s unbreakable connection to their own warrior traditions, creates a rare opportunity for knowledge-sharing, friendship, and mutual growth.
Through workshops, demonstrations, and friendly competitions, Chamorros and Balearic slingers will exchange techniques, strategies, and stories—strengthening the global slinging community and deepening cultural ties between the islands.
As Guam and the Marianas continue to serve as a model for slinging communities worldwide, the region has the opportunity to become the nucleus for aspiring slingers from around the globe. With resources such as media coverage from outlets like ITV, initiatives like the District Challenge, and growing interest from organizations including the U.S. Military, the islands are poised to be the premier hub for slinging education and engagement.
Looking Forward: The Future of Slinging in the Marianas
The impact of this visit will be felt far beyond Luis Ponz’s time in the Marianas. His presence will inspire the next generation of Chamorro slingers to embrace and elevate their craft, bringing even more attention to the island’s rich warrior history. The exchange between Balearic and Chamorro traditions is a testament to the enduring power of shared heritage, proving that even across oceans and centuries, the art of the sling continues to bring people together.
As Luis Ponz steps onto the island’s shores, he follows in the footsteps of those who came before—but this time, instead of conflict, he brings a celebration of skill, heritage, and unity. And in the hands of Chamorro and Balearic slingers alike, the sling is no longer just a weapon—it is a bridge between worlds.