The Cuban Volleyball Federation expressed its sorrow over the death of outstanding former player Raul Vilches, victim of cancer.

Havana, January 14 (RHC)-- The Cuban Volleyball Federation expressed its sorrow over the death of outstanding former player Raul Vilches, victim of cancer.

The lanky two-meter tall attacker was a member of Cuba's national team for 18 years, with which he won the bronze medal at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

His outstanding service record also includes his participation in the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, as well as in four World Championships and two World Cups.

On several occasions he was a medalist in the Pan American Games, including titles in Mexico 1975 and San Juan 1979, and silver medals in Caracas 1983 and Indianapolis 1987.

After his retirement from active sports, this affable and gentlemanly player worked as coach of the national youth and senior teams.

He had lived in Colombia since 1998, where he passed away after several weeks of hospitalization. He maintained ties with the Cuban Volleyball Federation, its collective of athletes, coaches and glories of the sport.

The Cuban Volleyball Federation has expressed its deepest condolences to his family and friends.