The Crossing of Matanzas Bay, one of the city's most significant mass sporting events, brought together 74 swimmers this Saturday who re-enacted this open water event “inspired by Fidel Castro.”
The swimmers departed from the old Port Captaincy to Playa el Tenis, completing a 2.5-kilometer course that was conquered by Alberto Javier Oliveros Pérez, an engineer at the Telecommunications Company S.A (ETECSA).
The event, organized by the Los Cocodrilos del Tenis Open Water Club and local authorities, marked its 54th edition and gathered swimmers ranging from 12 to 82 years old.
According to the state-run Radio 26, the winner expressed that the race “is a challenge to the human will to overcome, a sentiment instilled in various generations of Cubans by the Commander in Chief Fidel, who defied his time and led a triumphant Revolution in January 1959.”
The headline chosen by the state broadcaster was quite telling: “Fidel motivates swimmers to cross Matanzas Bay.”
The dictator who remained in power for 47 years and established a totalitarian regime that eradicated civil and political liberties on the island indeed “motivated” the perilous journeys undertaken by thousands of Cubans across the treacherous waters of the Florida Straits in precarious vessels, where countless individuals lost their lives.
However, Oliveros Pérez was only 25 years old when the dictator died and was not yet born during the Mariel Boatlift exodus.
His position at ETECSA, owned by the Business Administration Group S.A. (GAESA), controlled by the military, requires adherence to an old and outdated script in which the Commander in Chief is the father of all victories.
Even as ashes encased in a 48-ton stone, the “inspiring spirit” of the dictator can still drive open water swimmers.
FAQs on Matanzas Bay Swim Event and Fidel Castro's Influence
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding the Matanzas Bay swim event and the influence of Fidel Castro as mentioned in the article.
What is the Crossing of Matanzas Bay?
The Crossing of Matanzas Bay is a significant mass sporting event in Matanzas, Cuba, involving a 2.5-kilometer open water swim from the old Port Captaincy to Playa el Tenis.
Who organizes the Matanzas Bay swim event?
The event is organized by the Los Cocodrilos del Tenis Open Water Club and local authorities.
What was the significance of Fidel Castro in the context of this event?
Fidel Castro was cited as an inspirational figure for the swimmers, with the state-run Radio 26 highlighting his role in instilling a spirit of overcoming challenges in various generations of Cubans.
Who won the recent edition of the Matanzas Bay swim event?
Alberto Javier Oliveros Pérez, an engineer at ETECSA, won the recent edition of the event.