Marrero Cruz (C) with Merced Len (L) congratulate one of the graduates. Photo: Enro

Havana, December 19 (RHC)-- Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz presided Monday over the graduation of the 2022 graduating class of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Higher Technician in Sports Coaching -first promotion- of the UCCFD, University of Physical Education and Sports Sciences 'Manuel Fajardo', in Havana.

At the ceremony, 25 of the 613 graduates, 347 in the regular day course and 266 in the meeting, were awarded the Gold Degree.

Also, the Scientific Merit Award was given to the graduates Kia Aurell Zari and María Karla Rodríguez, the latter being the most comprehensive graduate.

The trajectory of outstanding athletes who are part of the list of graduates in 2022 was also recognized: Ulises Aguilera Cruz, Roxana Gómez Calderón, Yunaika Crawford, Adriana Rodríguez Fuentes and Liadagmis Povea Rodríguez in athletics; Ydalys Lovet Valdés in table tennis; Roeldis Beltrán in basketball; and Iván Felipe Silva in judo.

The rector of the university, Dr. Silvano Merced Len said that "we have reached the 45th graduation of the UCCFD with the pride of having trained more than 100,000 professionals in our specialty, including young people from more than 100 countries".

He stressed the importance of the first graduation of the short-cycle program in Higher Technician of Sports Coaching, in the daytime modality and by meetings, which will strengthen the sport in the Cuban capital.

Photo: Enro

Merced Len also pointed out that the list of graduates includes medalists and participants in Olympic, Paralympic, World, Pan American and Parapan American Games.

"It is well known the effort that for them represents to combine studies with the rigor of training and competition. They deserve all our recognition and appreciation," he emphasized.

For her part, María Karla Rodríguez, on behalf of the graduates, thanked teachers and coaches for their training, and reiterated the commitment to Cuban sport.