Cuba on Top of Veracruz-2014, Restless Mexico
Cuba's ascent to the top of the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz-2014, fostered expectations regarding the possible proclamation of the Island as Queen of the Fair.
After 11 competitive days, Cubans showed their intentions to regain a historic reign that has more pride going for it than anything else and closed yesterday with 77 titles over 76 of the hosts.
There are still 5 days to the final and the Veracruz scene is in the running for the debut of the latest competitive sports program; however, it appears that Cuba could take better advantage of the days remaining.
on Tuesday Cuba took 2 of the 6 titles distributed at the Heriberto Jara Corona athletics stadium of this city to lead these regional games.
Rose Mary Almanza in the 800m woman's flat and Yordanis García, proclaimed the most complete athlete in the woman's decathlon competition contributed golds to Cuban coffers.
Nevertheless, Mexico prevailed at the shot-put winning medals gold by Mario Cota's 19.30 meters and silver by Stephen Saenz' 19.27 meters to thereby match with Cuba in the number of golden medals in athletics: four.
Two countries obtained in this 11th day their first gold medals: Honduras in the 100 meters, and British Virgin Islands in the long jump, and now there are 14 nations that have at least won a title.
The Cuban Greco-Roman wrestlers imposed their power and of the 5 golden metals in competition, they awarded 4: Ismael Borrero (59 kilograms), Pablo Chorey (85), Miguel Martinez (66) and Yasmany Lugo (85).
Also a quartet of boxers secured their presence in the race for the gold: Robeisy Ramirez, 56 kilograms London 2012 Olympic champion, the 2nd world champion Yasnier Toledo (64); Arlen Lopez (75) and Erislandy Savon (91).
Guatemala reached in this day its 11th gold medal in the mixed teams tournament badminton and reaffirmed in 5th place in the overall medal.
On Tuesday, Mexico also won the individual gold Cynthia Valdez in rhythmic gymnastics; that of Juan Escobar, in the 75 kg Greco-Roman wrestling and Samantha Teran in female singles of squash.
Cuban Hammer Throwers Imposed Their Quality in Veracruz 2014
Cuba won gold and silver medals in the hammer throw today at the 22nd Central American and Caribbean Games 2014 by Roberto Janet Veracruz and Reinier Mejias.
Janet guaranteed shipping golden metal with 74.11 meters to relegate his compatriot Mejias' 71.81 to 2nd place, while the bronze medal corresponded to the Costa Rican Roberto Sawyers with 70.66.
Now Cuba leads the track and field competitions in Veracruz-2014 with 6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals, a feast that could grow with the presence of other Islander competitors in several finishes.
Russia and Cuba Evaluate More Sports Cooperation
The Sports Minister of Russia, Vitaly Mutko, and the Ambassador of Cuba to that country, Emilio Lozada, discussed the possibility of deepening cooperation and promoting mutually beneficial exchanges, the Sports Ministry confirmed today, according to Prensa Latina news agency.
During the meeting held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Sports, both parties also considered the development of training bases to improve the preparation of Russian and Cuban athletes.
Such an initiative could be very useful for the Russian national team ahead of the Olympic Games of Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and will also benefit many athletes of the island, frequently involved in high level competitions in Europe.
At the meeting, the Ambassador confirmed that sports is one of the priorities of the social policy of the Cuban state.
Both sides agreed that the achievements of Moscow and Havana in this area confirm the decision of the two countries to promote sports not only to obtain medals, but also as a way of improving the quality of life and social welfare, it was reported.
