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The Cuban swimmer Yunerki Ortega, who left the island's delegation during the 2023 Santiago Parapan American Games, received unanimous approval on Wednesday from the Internal Government Commission of the Chilean Congress to obtain grace nationality.
“Closer than ever to representing Chile,” celebrated on social media the congresswoman and former athlete Erika Olivera, the main proponent of the initiative alongside lawmakers Rubén Oyarzo, Carolina Tello, and Francesca Muñoz. The proposal will now be discussed in the chamber and subsequently in the Senate.
Ortega, regarded as the number 8 in the world in his specialty of para-swimming and fourth at the continental level, expressed his gratitude for the legislative support: “Obtaining Chilean nationality and being able to represent the country internationally is the way to continue my sports career and give back for the warm welcome I have received in Chile, after deciding to leave the Cuban delegation,” he said in statements reported by BioBioChile.
The athlete, who is blind, has participated in five editions of the Parapan American Games, where he has achieved seven medals and set two records on the continent.
"Sport is my refuge, and although I have always been an athlete, losing my sight was a way for me to confront what was happening to me. Today, my dream is to represent Chile and take its name to the highest levels," he added.
The story of Yunerki Ortega gained attention in November 2023 when his disappearance from the Pan American Village in Cerrillos was reported, after taking all his belongings. The Cuban authorities reported the incident to Carabineros, initiating a search for "presumed misfortune."
Days later, the athlete contacted the Cuban-Chilean lawyer Mijail Bonito, who specializes in immigration issues, to initiate a refugee process in the southern country. The lawyer also represents other Cuban athletes who deserted during the continental event.
“Yunerki Ortega sought a new life after living in a true prison called Cuba. Today, Chile offers him a new opportunity in a free country. Welcome dear Yunerki,” wrote the Chilean deputy Miguel Becker on his Instagram account.
The deputy Carolina Tello also expressed her support in statements to the mentioned local media: “Today we have a top-level athlete, a world champion who did not succumb to the first challenge. He has tremendous courage and shows us that dreams can be achieved.”
The case of Ortega adds to that of at least 12 Cuban athletes who defected during the Pan American and Parapan American Games in Santiago 2023, marking one of the largest recent sports exoduses. The Chilean government reported as many as 21 individuals who did not return to Cuba at the end of the games.
The story of Yunerki Ortega is not just about sports, but deeply human. In statements given last January to the media As Chile, he recounted how he survived in the first months after escaping from the Cuban delegation: “I had to live on the streets for two months, many times I had no food, and I moved around Santiago. During the day, I sold chocolates in the subway and at night I slept wherever I could: Central Station, bus stops… Even once they tried to take my backpack and my phone,” the athlete shared.
Despite those extreme conditions, Ortega stated that he never stopped training: “My coaches only found out about this towards the end, when I practically fainted while running and had to tell them everything. That's when they helped me and got me a job at the municipality of Puente Alto. I was able to rent a room and get back on my feet.”
The swimmer also spoke about the pain of being separated from his family: “I knew that I wouldn’t see my mother or my daughter, who is nine years old, for a long time. I was able to say goodbye to my mom, but not to my little girl, and that has affected me the most.”
Regarding the nationalization project that began in December, he confessed, “It was great news. It brings me closer to that dream of being officially Chilean. I hope those who have to decide put their heart into it, support me, and give me the opportunity to give back to Chile all that it has given me. Every time I compete for this country, I will do it with all my heart and will give my life for it.”
The grace nationalization allows Chile to recognize foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country. If the process is finalized, Ortega could officially compete for Chile in international events.
Frequently asked questions about the naturalization of Cuban swimmer Yunerki Ortega in Chile
Who is Yunerki Ortega and why is his naturalization in Chile relevant?
Yunerki Ortega is a Cuban swimmer who stood out at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games. His naturalization in Chile is significant because it will allow him to officially represent the country in international events, marking a new chapter in his career after he defected from the Cuban delegation.
What does nationalization by grace mean, and how has it benefited Yunerki Ortega?
Nationalization by grace is a recognition granted by the Chilean government to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the country. For Yunerki Ortega, this means the opportunity to compete internationally for Chile and to continue his sports career outside the Cuban regime.
How did Yunerki Ortega react to the legislative support in Chile?
Yunerki Ortega expressed her gratitude for the legislative support in Chile. She stated that obtaining Chilean nationality will allow her to continue her sports career and give back for the welcome she has received in the country, after leaving the Cuban delegation.
What challenges did Yunerki Ortega face upon leaving the Cuban delegation?
Yunerki Ortega decided to leave the Cuban delegation during the Parapan American Games in Santiago 2023. He faced a search for "alleged misfortune" following his disappearance and had to contact a lawyer specializing in immigration matters to begin a process for asylum in Chile.
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