Havana, October13 (JIT) - In a simple but moving tribute at his home, Dr. C. Alcides Sagarra received on Thursday the Doctor Honoris Causa degree awarded by the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences (UCCFD).
The rector of the UCCFD, Silvano Merced Len, presented the distinction to Alcides, who was not only outstanding in the ring where he forged the fists of figures such as Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón and Rolando Garbey, but also in his scientific contribution with the publication of articles and texts on the training of contemporary boxing.
Precisely, boxing specialist Jesús "Chuchu" Domínguez referred to Alcides as an educator and scientist, highlighting Sagarra's spirit of constant improvement.
He was only in sixth grade when, in 1964, he started as head coach of the national boxing team. Time and dedication led him to obtain a degree in physical culture and then a Doctorate in Pedagogical Sciences in 1992.
"On behalf of the family, I wish to thank this recognition from the Universidad del Deporte, where my father supported in the training of young pugilists. This honor of naming him Doctor Honoris Causa is a beautiful gesture and a recognition of his career, work and commitment to the Revolution and to the ideas of Fidel and Raul.
"As you all know, my father devoted himself entirely to the formation of generations of champions. With every success and defeat, he always learned and was ready to share his knowledge with Cubans and foreigners," said Consuelo Sagarra, Alcides' daughter, with emotion.
Rector Merced Len also hung the UCCFD 50th Anniversary seal around Alcides' neck, saying that "honoring, honors. Therefore, the UCCFD prestiges itself with the delivery of this well-deserved recognition. There could not be a better moment than in the framework of the center's 50th anniversary activities," he said.
The tribute was led by the first vice president of Inder, Raúl Fornés Valenciano, and was attended by the president of the Cuban Boxing Federation and national commissioner, Alberto Puig de la Barca, Fajardo executives and sports glories.
For more than a decade, Alcides Sagarra has not worked as a trainer, but his mind is still in the ring, in the corner of Cuba, smiling with Stevenson, making signs to Armandito, giving some other lesson that then travels the world.
The following have passed through his hands: Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón, Ariel Hernández, Maikro Romero, Armando Martínez, Ángel Herrera, Rolando Garbey, Adolfo Horta and Roberto Balado, all legends of Cuban pugilism, among others.
