The Cuban delegation to the 5th Parapan American Games in Toronto, Canada, just about fills a small hall in Havana’s José Martí International Airport. We are talking about just 56 athletes, 56 Spartans who battled against the odds before vast squads of hundreds of athletes.
If one considers for a moment Cuba’s performance in the spectacular northern city, its impossible to overlook the obvious display of the high level of efficiency of our men and women who exceed their limitations and go all out in defense of the tricolor flag.
Cuba ascended to the highest spot on the podium 19 times, winning a total of 47 medals, to secure a well-deserved sixth place on the country medal chart – all achieved during a demanding showcase which saw athletes make use of the most advanced technology - a clear confirmation of the island’s prominence in this competition.
To fearlessly compete in these scenarios has become a specialty for Cuban athletes, meriting great recognition, just like that of the athletic delegation which finished fourth on the Pan Americans country medal chart.
“The Cuban people and their sporting movement are delighted with what they have done, defending the national flag with so much patriotism, dignity and love,” stated José Ramón Fernández, president of the Cuban Olympic Committee, on receiving the delegation which arrived in Havana early Tuesday morning.
His words echo the feelings of the entire nation, millions of Cubans who feel deeply identified with Lorenzo Pérez’s stroke, indisputable king of Cuban swimming; the judokas’ ippons; the power of the weightlifters (including Leydis Rodríguez, Toronto champion); or the meteoric speed of Omara Durand, Yunidis Castillo and Leinier Savón who captivated the public after rocketing out of the starting blocks to win medals in two events.
They and every athlete that competed, sporting the Cuban uniform, receiving the warmest of welcomes for their effort, work, preparation and achievements, once again demonstrated that the Parapan tournament is not just another competition, but a momentous commitment where the Cuban representation always rises to the challenge.
