The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) held a ceremony on Monday to distribute cars to Cuban athletes and coaches. This gesture was not only a recognition of their performance but also of their "commitment to the nation." Throughout the event, the late Fidel Castro was a central figure in the speeches delivered. Wilmer Lewis, head of the National Athlete Support Commission, emphasized the dictator's role in institutionalizing sports on the island, as reported by the digital site JIT. According to Lewis, Castro made sports a right for the people, stating, "He was the one who championed the attention to our most distinguished athletes," during his remarks before the car keys were handed over.
Echoing this sentiment, Briandy Molina, a two-time world champion in Baseball5, spoke on behalf of the honorees, expressing gratitude "to Fidel and the Revolution," while reaffirming the athletes' dedication to the country. "We accept this gesture with joy, convinced it is yet another reason to double our efforts and uphold the legacy of the one who propelled sports in Cuba," Molina declared.
Among those receiving vehicles were sports legends like former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and recently retired para-athlete Omara Durand, as well as active athletes and coaches across various sports such as boxing, wrestling, baseball, and para-athletics.
Athletes and Coaches Honored
The list of recipients included:
- Enrique Figuerola Camué (athletics - sports legend)
- Erislandy Álvarez Borges (boxing - active)
- Sarbelio Fuentes Rodríguez (boxing coach - sports legend)
- Luis Alberto Orta Sánchez (Greco-Roman wrestling - active)
- Yusneylis Guzmán López (female wrestling - active)
- Milaimy de la Caridad Marín Potrillé (female wrestling - active)
- Raúl de Jesús Trujillo Díaz (Greco-Roman wrestling coach)
- Filiberto Alberto Delgado Santiago (female wrestling coach)
- Omara Durand Elías (para-athletics - sports legend)
- Robiel Yankiel Sol Cervantes (para-athlete - active)
- Yunier Fernández Izquierdo (para table tennis - active)
- Guillermo Varona González (para-athletics - active)
- Yamel Luis Vives Suárez (para-athletics - active)
- Pablo Ramírez Barrientos (para weightlifting - active)
- Sheyla S. Hernández Estupiñán (para judo - active)
- Ulicer Aguilera Cruz (para-athletics - active)
- Miriam Ferrer Fernández (para-athletics coach)
- Luis Miguel Rodríguez Ricardo (baseball - sports legend)
- Nelson Perales García (canoeing coach)
- Briandy Molina Elías (Baseball5 - active)
While recipients often receive a fuel card alongside the vehicle, the ongoing challenge for them will be maintaining a full gas tank amid the country's current crisis.
Challenges for Athletes in Cuba
What was the purpose of the car distribution ceremony by INDER?
The ceremony was held to award cars to athletes and coaches as a recognition for their performance and dedication to the nation.
How did the ceremony emphasize Fidel Castro's legacy?
Speeches during the event highlighted Castro's role in institutionalizing sports in Cuba, portraying him as a champion for making sports a right for the people.
Who were some of the notable athletes that received cars?
Notable recipients included former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and para-athlete Omara Durand, among others across various sports disciplines.