Related videos:
The baseball team of Santiago de Cuba was forced to suspend its training on Wednesday due to a lack of food and snacks for the players, reported local journalist Yosmany Mayeta.
"Today there was nothing to feed them, not even something light that would allow them to continue with their practice," sources close to the athletes confirmed.
The incident, reported by Mayeta on her popular Facebook page, highlights the severe food and organizational crisis affecting Cuban sports, impacted by shortages, power outages, and a lack of material resources.
Baseball, regarded as the national sport on the island, is facing one of its most critical moments: undernourished players, crumbling stadiums, and a constant brain drain of talent to foreign leagues.
The fact that a historic team like Santiago de Cuba cannot provide even the minimum nutrition for its players is seen as a sign of the decline of the sports system, the publication noted.
It is not the first time that the issue of nutrition directly impacts high performance.
In July, authorities from the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder) acknowledged before the National Assembly that more than 50% of the competitions on the sports calendar were canceled due to the energy crisis and food shortages.
Cristina Luna Morales, president of the parliamentary commission for Health, Culture, and Sports, acknowledged that the situation has affected the training of athletes and the number of practitioners across the country.
Even Osvaldo Vento Montiller, president of Inder, acknowledged that it has been necessary to create gardens and agreements with agricultural producers to ensure a “minimum” diet for athletes in schools and training centers.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Baseball and Food Crisis in Cuba
Why did the Santiago de Cuba baseball team suspend its training?
The baseball team of Santiago de Cuba suspended its training due to the lack of food and snacks for the players. This situation reflects the serious food crisis affecting Cuban sports, which is impacted by shortages, blackouts, and a lack of material resources.
How is the food crisis affecting high-performance sports in Cuba?
The food crisis is severely impacting the preparation of athletes and the number of participants across the country. More than 50% of the competitions in the sports calendar have been canceled, and the lack of essential food products affects both athletes and the general population.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address the food crisis in sports?
The government has attempted to alleviate the food crisis by creating gardens and establishing agreements with agricultural producers to ensure "at least" the diet of athletes in schools and training centers. However, these measures have not been sufficient to address the underlying problem.
What is the current state of baseball in Cuba?
Cuban baseball is facing an unprecedented crisis characterized by talent drain, run-down stadiums, and undernourished players. Despite being the national sport, its quality and competitiveness have drastically decreased in recent years.
Filed under: