"I am drafting a farewell letter on Facebook to share my feelings with those who have followed my career. They will be saying goodbye to the athlete, but not the person, as I remain committed to continuing in a different capacity—it’s like passing the baton."
This is what Gerdan Fonseca Bernal—who twice stood on the podium in the shot put event at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games—told Granma.
With no time for nostalgia, the "Bronze Titan"—who once dreamed of boxing stardom before a train accident changed his life—is now taking on the presidency of the Honorary Chair on Paralympic Sport, established this Tuesday at the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences.
The historic agreement was signed at the university in the presence of Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), and Michele Formonte, Executive Director of the organization overseeing these activities in the Americas.
"The Chair represents a commitment; we strive for excellence, and through this strategic alliance, we aim to conduct scientific work that fosters athlete development and helps achieve high-level results.
"I consider it an honor that we were able to sign this collaboration agreement during the foreign visitors' brief schedule." "We must work diligently to foster positive outcomes and success," he added.
One of the initiative's strengths lies in the vision of expanding it across the island by leveraging the existing faculties of Physical Culture in every province.
"We will establish local branches. Our goal is to provide training for our coaches and athletes at both the municipal and provincial-capital levels."
He noted that they also aim to train a strong team of medical-functional classifiers—a fundamental yet complex aspect of adaptive sports.
These priorities align with the profile of the Fajardo institution, one of only about 70 universities worldwide specializing in this field. Regarding its connection to athletes, Rector Silvano Merced Len pointed out that approximately 91% of the island's medalists are graduates of the school.
This approach also ensures that legends of the sporting arena can contribute in new administrative roles. This is exemplified by two of the greatest figures from the past and present—Enrique Cepeda and Omara Durand—who serve, respectively, as the methodology specialist for the Department for Persons with Disabilities at the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) and as President of the Paralympic Committee.
The Chair serves as an additional source of support and resources for those striving to turn life's obstacles into blessings, proving that everyone possesses equal rights and the potential to create happiness—both for themselves and for others.
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