Patriotism and the emotions that sport inspires merged this Saturday in a solemn embrace at the foot of the José Martí Monument in Revolution Square. In that emblematic space, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, presented the Cuban flag to the delegation that will defend the nation's honor at the upcoming 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
The national flag was placed in the hands of two giants of Cuban sport: the star triple jumper Leyanis Pérez, a three-time world medalist, and wrestler Luis Orta, champion of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
During the ceremony, the outstanding weightlifter Marifelix Sarria, world runner-up in her division, spoke on behalf of her teammates, reaffirming their commitment to compete with honor, fair play, and the resilience that characterizes the Cuban people. As part of the solemn moments of the day, swimmer Andrea Becali and weightlifter Otto Oñate laid a floral offering in memory of the heroes of the nation.
One of the most significant moments of the event occurred when the Prime Minister of the Republic and member of the Political Bureau, Manuel Marrero Cruz, officially bestowed the title of Ambassador of the Country Brand upon the legendary wrestler Mijaín López Núñez. The Greco-Roman wrestling star, holder of five Olympic titles, thus becomes the first Cuban to receive this high honor due to his impeccable sporting record and his loyalty to the nation.
For her part, the charismatic triple jumper Leyanis Pérez did not hide her excitement at assuming leadership of the delegation. "Holding my flag is an unparalleled experience. It is the first time I have assumed a role of this magnitude, which fills me with pride and doubles my responsibility. In Santo Domingo, I am going to give it my all, with the same dedication and commitment I bring to a Diamond League meet, a World Championship, or an Olympic Games," she confessed with her characteristic smile.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including members of the Political Bureau, Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR); Lázaro Álvarez Casas, Minister of the Interior; Teresa Amarelle Boué, Secretary General of the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC); Osvaldo Vento Montiller, head of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER); and the Dominican Republic's Ambassador to Cuba, Jerjes Suriel Mota.
A deeply emotional touch was added by the presence of veteran athletes from the legendary "Delegation of Dignity," those heroes who exactly six decades ago courageously defended Cuba's right to participate in the 1966 San Juan Olympic Games aboard the ship Cerro Pelado. President Díaz-Canel spoke closely with these historic athletes, who reaffirmed their unwavering revolutionary commitment.
In her keynote address, Meyvis Estévez, general secretary of the Young Communists League (UJC), emphasized the symbolism surrounding the current delegation: "You are the delegation commemorating the Centennial of our undefeated Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, and you represent the 60th anniversary of the glorious Battle of Cerro Pelado."
The youth leader acknowledged the enormous merit of the athletes, who completed a demanding training phase amidst blackouts and severe logistical shortages stemming from the intensified economic blockade and the energy crisis plaguing the country.
"It is moving to see you ready for the competitive battle despite the difficulties. In every play, every run, and every jump, remember that your people will be cheering you on. Think of your families, because for Cuba you are sons, fathers, and brothers, and we will never let them down," Estévez concluded.
With the slogan "Always for Cuba" engraved on their chests, the Cuban delegation departs for Santo Domingo with the conviction that, beyond the medals won on the competition stages, the true victory lies in the dignity and honor with which the flag is defended.
