Raúl bestows the honorary title on the exceptional fighter.    Photo taken from Prensa Latina

Havana, December 19 (RHC) -- Army General Raúl Castro Ruz awarded the honorary title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba to the five-time Olympic champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, Mijaín López, national television reported on Wednesday.

At the ceremony, also headed by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel, the undisputed Queen of the international Paralympic movement for more than a decade, Omara Durand, and Gladys Bejerano, who directed the General Comptroller's Office of the Republic for the last 15 years, were distinguished as Heroines of Labor.

Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa highlighted López's exceptional results in sports and, above all, her commitment to her people, to Fidel Castro, Raúl Castro and the Revolution, of which she is a product.

Likewise, the Secretary General of the Cuban Workers' Union, Ulises Guilarte, referred to the merits of Durand and Bejerano: More than winning medals in the 100, 200 and 400 meters on a track, he stressed, the most captivating thing about Omara has been her simplicity, her loyalty, and her love for her family and for Cuba, of which she is today a symbol of dedication and sacrifice.

He said that Bejerano is one of the most vivid expressions that discipline and rigor in work, as well as loyalty to the Revolution, are essential attributes to defend the socialist society that is being built in Cuba.

(Source: Prensa Latina)