Cuba thanks Panam Sports and Cali for hosting youth competition

Havana, November 24 (RHC)-- INDER President Osvaldo Vento Montiller thanked on Tuesday Panam Sports and the city of Cali for organizing the First Pan American Junior Games.

His words transcended from the Alfonso Bonilla International Airport, shortly after arriving at the head of a flight with more than 100 members of the Cuban delegation.

"Cuba's message is one of gratitude to Panam Sports and its president Neven Ilic. He bet on organizing an event with young people who promise a lot for the development of the sport in the region and the world. It is a party and we are happy," said the leader in an exclusive interview with JIT.

Then he praised the organizing committee of Cali, because "in times of covid they have been able to give solution to different approaches and organize their Games. They are already a reality and our athletes are motivated, they feel good, they are in good health and they will be able to enjoy this great continental celebration. We will do our best to give our people a good result".

The Bahama Air flight brought not only athletes and officials who will participate in the event, but also representatives of the press and especially prominent sports figures on the island.

We are referring to the four-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling Mijaín López; the multichampion Paralympic runner Omara Durand; and the double king under the five rings in boxing Julio César La Cruz, invited by Panam Sports together with Judith Águila, sports glory and commissioner of attention to Inder athletes.

Members of the solidarity with Cuba in this city attended the reception at the air terminal, which had a total Colombian accent through music and dance.

In the direct flight from Havana, 45 athletes and 75 officials arrived. The former are distributed among badminton players, boxers, cyclists, weightlifters, archers, baseball players and an athletics representative.

In the afternoon, 11 swimmers had arrived, bringing the total number of athletes from the island to 99.

The Games officially begin on November 25 at 7:00 p.m., with the opening ceremony at the Pascual Guerrero Olympic Stadium.