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The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER) made a delivery of cars to Cuban athletes and coaches on Monday as recognition of their performance and “commitment to the homeland”.
During the ceremony, gratitude for the late Fidel Castro was evident in every speech. Wilmer Lewis, president of the National Commission for Athlete Care, highlighted the dictator's role in the institutionalization of sports on the island, according to the digital site JIT.
Lewis assured that Castro turned this activity into a right of the people. “It was he who led the attention to its most prominent representatives,” he stated in his speech prior to the handing over of the keys.
Following that line, the two-time world champion of Baseball5 Briandy Molina spoke on behalf of the honorees, expressing his gratitude “to Fidel and the Revolution” and reaffirming the athletes' commitment to the nation.
"We received this gesture with joy, convinced that it is one more reason to redouble our efforts and defend the legacy of the one who promoted sports in Cuba," he stated.
Among the beneficiaries of the vehicle donation were sports legends such as former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and the recently retired para-athlete Omara Durand, as well as coaches and current athletes in disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, baseball, and para-athletics.
List of beneficiaries:
Enrique Figuerola Camué (athletics-glory of the sport)
Erislandy Álvarez Borges (active boxing)
Sarbelio Fuentes Rodríguez (glory of sports-boxing coach)
Luis Alberto Orta Sánchez (Greco-Roman wrestling – active)
Yusneylis Guzmán López (professional wrestling (f)-active)
Milaimy de la Caridad Marín Potrillé (active female wrestler)
Raúl de Jesús Trujillo Díaz (Greco-Roman wrestling coach)
Filiberto Alberto Delgado Santiago (freestyle wrestling coach)
Omara Durand Elías (para-athletics - glory of the sport)
Robiel Yankiel Sol Cervantes (active parathlete)
Yunier Fernández Izquierdo (for table tennis-active)
Guillermo Varona González (para-athletics-active)
Yamel Luis Vives Suárez (para-athletics-active)
Pablo Ramírez Barrientos (parapesas-active)
Sheyla S. Hernández Estupiñán (active parajudo)
Ulicer Aguilera Cruz (para-athletics-active)
Miriam Ferrer Fernández (paralympic athletics coach)
Luis Miguel Rodríguez Ricardo (baseball-glory of the sport)
Nelson Perales García (canoeing coach)
Briandy Molina Elías (Baseball5-active).
Now, although the organization often provides a fuel card, the challenge for the recipients will be to keep the gas tank full amid the crisis affecting the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Car Delivery to Athletes in Cuba
Why did INDER give cars to athletes in Cuba?
The INDER provided cars to Cuban athletes and coaches in recognition of their performance and commitment to the homeland. This action was part of a tribute ceremony that highlighted Fidel Castro's legacy in the institutionalization of sports in Cuba. However, this delivery occurs against a backdrop of economic crisis in the country, where maintaining the vehicles will be a challenge due to the fuel shortage.
What prominent figures received cars at the INDER ceremony?
Among those benefiting from the vehicle distribution were sports legends such as former sprinter Enrique Figuerola and para-athlete Omara Durand, in addition to coaches and active athletes in disciplines such as boxing, wrestling, baseball, and para-athletics. Notable names include Enrique Figuerola, Robiel Yankiel Sol, and Briandy Molina. This selection occurs in a context where other sports legends, such as Alfonso Urquiola, have been left out of these lists despite their achievements.
How is Fidel Castro's figure highlighted in the presentation of cars to athletes?
Fidel Castro was mentioned as a cornerstone in the development of sports in Cuba during the car delivery ceremony. His legacy was highlighted by Wilmer Lewis, president of the National Commission for Athlete Care, who stated that Castro turned sports into a right for the people. This speech fits into the regime's strategy of using historical figures to legitimize its current actions, despite the evident economic and social crisis affecting the country.
What challenges do Cuban athletes who received cars face amidst the current crisis?
Athletes who received cars are facing the challenge of keeping them running due to the fuel shortage in Cuba. Although INDER sometimes provides fuel cards, the current crisis complicates regular access to gasoline. This issue reflects the broader difficulties the country is experiencing, where even athletic achievements suffer the consequences of poor economic management and lack of basic resources.
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