Sporting glory survives, sick and begging on the streets of Santiago de Cuba

Stories like this reveal a harsh truth about the supposed "humanism" of the Cuban regime: praise while people serve a purpose, and abandonment when they cease to be useful.

Aleida Palomo Sánchez, a former high-performance athlete and Cuban teacher, was seen walking sick and disoriented in the streets of Santiago de Cuba, asking for help to survive.

The scene was shared on Facebook by the writer and activist from Santiago, Yasser Sosa Tamayo, who usually helps vulnerable individuals.

According to Sosa's testimony, Palomo —who represented Cuba in the 1991 Pan American Games— wanders with unsteady steps, dressed in worn clothes and marked by a vacant look.

"His sick body and worn-out clothes are the cruelest portrait of abandonment," wrote the activist in a post made this Tuesday on his profile.

Palomo was recognized at the time both on the field and in the classroom.

She not only defended the Cuban flag in international competitions but also dedicated herself to training new generations as a teacher, instilling the value of perseverance.

“That woman who once raised the name of Cuba walks invisibly among us,” lamented Sosa Tamayo, who also recounted the emotional impact that the meeting had on him.

"I felt my heart tighten, and all I could do was leave everything I had in his hands. It may have been little, but it was my way of saying: you are not alone," the activist emphasized.

The case has sparked outrage on social media, where users are demanding a response from the authorities, particularly from INDER, in what they see as yet another example of the state's neglect towards figures who were once a source of national pride.

“Aleida needs our help right now: a message, a meal, a visit, a gesture. Anything, but something,” the activist concluded.

In the comments section, Sosa also stated: "What does true glory mean to you: the medals or the humanity we give to others?", inviting internet users to reflect.

The case of Palomo is not an isolated incident. In various cities across Cuba, other stories reflect the same neglect experienced by those who were once the pillars of education and value formation.

Recently, a Sosa found his former Chemistry teacher living alone and sick in a dilapidated space, after years of dedication to teaching without receiving the institutional support he needed.

A few days ago, the story of a retired university professor who survives by selling products on the street to be able to eat was also shared.

His testimony, laden with resignation, revealed how educators who contributed to the country's development for decades are now facing old age without sufficient pensions or support from the State.

Another moving case is that of Juan Bautista, a science teacher who was also a composer, now engulfed in poverty and forgotten by institutions.

Her story summarizes the fate of many professionals who, after years of dedication and talent, end up living on the fringes, without recognition or basic care.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Abandonment of Athletes and the Elderly in Cuba