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Several children were treated this Saturday at the "Dr. Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira" Children's Hospital, known as "La Ondi," after inhaling pepper spray during a children's wrestling competition held at the Maceo Sports Complex in Santiago de Cuba.
The incident occurred during the 60th edition of the National School Games, when a violent altercation between the parents of the competitors disrupted the event.
According to witnesses, the dispute began when a father—upset by his son's defeat—insulted the opposing child and their family, which triggered a heated argument with the winner's father.
The situation escalated quickly. In the midst of the chaos, one of the adults pulled out a can of pepper spray and discharged it in the middle of the room, affecting several people present, including children.
At least three minors were taken to the hospital with symptoms of shortness of breath and respiratory difficulty, as reported by local reporter Yosmany Mayeta Labrada on Facebook.
The images shared by Mayeta depict the disorganization and violence that took over the premises.
Referees and event staff attempted to contain the situation unsuccessfully, and some parents even brandished knives, witnesses reported.
"There were parents washing their children's faces, and even a man looking for a file to continue the fight," reported one of the witnesses.
The confrontation continued even outside the sports facility, with no reports so far of intervention from provincial authorities or representatives of INDER, the governing body of sports in Cuba.
The incident has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, where dozens of users questioned the violent behavior of adults at an event meant for children. “How sad for those kids to see their parents being violent,” wrote one user.
Another added: “Cubans solve everything with shouting, hitting, and weapons… in a children's competition, it ends up like this.”
As of Saturday evening, no authority has made any official statements regarding what happened, nor has it been confirmed whether there were any arrests or sanctions against those responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions about the pepper spray incident at the children's event in Santiago de Cuba
What happened at the children's wrestling event in Santiago de Cuba?
Several children were affected by pepper spray during a children's wrestling competition in Santiago de Cuba, as a result of a fight between parents that ended with the use of this substance.
How did the authorities react to the pepper spray incident?
As of the time of publication, no authority had provided official statements regarding the incident, nor had it been confirmed whether there were any arrests or sanctions against those responsible.
What consequences did the use of pepper spray have at the sporting event?
The use of pepper spray caused respiratory difficulties in at least three minors, who were taken to the Children's Hospital North "Dr. Juan de la Cruz Martínez Maceira" for medical attention.
What has the community said about violence at children's events in Cuba?
The community has expressed a wave of condemnation on social media towards the violent behavior of adults at events intended for children, questioning the lack of control and the violence in Cuban culture.
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