Cuba Renders Meritable Performance at Youth Olympics

Cuba had a commendable performance at the Second Youth Olympics, which is entering its last day of competitions today in the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing, said the head of that delegation, Heriberto Suarez. In statements by telephone to Prensa Latina, Suarez recalled that with only 12 contestants, his country will bring home two gold medals, one silver and one bronze, as well as a fifth and sixth place with Olympic certificates.

The medals went to boxers Javier Ibáñez (56 kg) and Yordan Hernandez (81 kg), both gold, Alain Limonta (60 kg), silver, while Ivan Felipe Silva (81 kg) won bronze in judo. Olympic certificates were awarded to Orlando Sotolongo (sixth in rowing) and Hector Bauza (fifth canoe).

Cuba was also the only country to win two golds and a silver in boxing, he added.

“The work of this disciplined group of athletes who are the future stars of Cuban sport deserves to be recognized,” he said.

The head of the delegation said that Cuba’s sports future is bright and “now back home, we will have to resolve some technical issues that remain in some disciplines.”

He said that will work will continue with reserve athletes at the Sports Initiation Schools and that the Third Youth Olympics scheduled in Buenos Aires in 2018, will be a new challenge. “Surely we will make a better performance,” he stressed.

He also thanked the Cuban delegation for the hospitality extended by the Chinese to the athletes, the work of the volunteers who participated in these Youth Olympics and the Organizing Committee for their excellent work.

This second Youth Olympics opened on August 16 with a memorable ceremony attended by President Xi Jinping and will end tomorrow with an activity that will be led by Premier Li Keqiang.

The event was attended by nearly 4,000 athletes from 204 countries and regions, competing in 28 sports.