Cuban sports glories

Havana, July 23 (RHC) - Invited by the Spanish Embassy in Havana, Cuban sports glories celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona-92 Games, where the Caribbean island signed its best Olympic performance in history.

Figures of the stature of wrestler Héctor Milián, flag bearer of the Cuban delegation, runner Ana Fidelia Quirós, thrower Omar Ajete, jumper Silvia Costa, several of the incomparable Morenas del Caribe volleyball players, sprinters Jorge Luis Aguilera and Joel Lamela, and volleyball player Raúl Diago, all medalists or contestants in the Barcelona Games, gave prestige to the meeting, sponsored by the Spanish Embassy in the Cuban capital.

Through video recordings, the Prince of Heights, Javier Sotomayor, and volleyball player Mireya Luis, soul of the Morenas del Caribe, relived their exploits. Both considered the Barcelona Games to be the best in history, as did all those who spoke.

"The facilities that Barcelona had, no other Olympic Games have had," recalled Mireya, while Aguilera evoked the great atmosphere experienced in the Games and highlighted what Spain has always meant in the preparation of Cuban athletes.

A compilation of audiovisuals by journalist Julia Osendi, who recreated Cuban and Spanish triumphs in the games, delighted those present, as did Opera de la Calle, directed by maestro Ulises Aquino, who offered an enjoyable artistic show, the highlight of which was the interpretation of the song "Amigos para Siempre", immortalized by Sarah Brightman and José Carreras.

On behalf of the Embassy, its Cultural Counselor, Laura López, thanked those present and recalled what the Barcelona Games, held from July 25 to August 9, 1992, meant for both Cuba and Spain.

Cuba participated in the Games with 192 athletes and achieved its best performance in history, finishing fifth in the medal standings