Cuban pre-selection to Cali-2021 in vaccination process

Havana, September 21 (RHC/JIT)-- "We are getting  vaccinated with Abdala.  Mainly young people who receive first doses and others who have already completed the process," Dr. Osvaldo Barba Ramos, leader of medical control in the centers attached to the Higher Training School for High Performance Athletes (Esfaar) Giraldo Córdova Cardín, told JIT.

These athletes are committed to the First Junior Pan American Games of Cali 2021, which will take place from November 25 to December 5.

"Some of them already have all the Abdala or Soberana-02 doses, but others, such as minors, are also contemplated in the process", highlighted the doctor in the control office of the center.

"For the vaccination we comply with all the protocols required by the Ministry of Health. Many of those who work today in the sports system have experience in this vaccination," he added.

"Most of the professionals who are here worked in the immunization of our Olympic and Paralympic delegations on their way to Tokyo 2020," he added.

The physician himself reiterated that the two approved schemes prevail, Abdala for those over 18 years of age and Soberana-02 for minors.

The immunization process of the pre-selected athletes for Cali 2021 was reactivated at the Escuela Superior de Atletas de Alto Rendimiento Cerro Pelado last Saturday and continued today at the Cardín. It will also include exponents gathered in Ciego de Avila (classical and free wrestling) and Cienfuegos (badminton).

The synchronized swimming girls were among the first to receive doses of the vaccine at the Esfaar Cardín. "This is the first step to immunize ourselves. We can't be confident. We have to keep our distance and comply with all the hygienic and sanitary measures," some of them agreed.

Some 150 athletes, according to the director of the center Coralia Márquez Fernández, are concentrated in subordinate institutions, where they are already preparing for the appointment in the coffee nation.

"The training of those selected to attend Cali 2021 is guaranteed. They are installed in the Baragua Swimming Pool Complex, the Reinaldo Paseiro National Velodrome and the Pan American Stadium, as well as in the Ramiro Chirino National School of Combat Sports and in the sailing school," he added.

The sports with the largest number of participants are athletics with 36, boxing (14), cycling (13), diving (11) and swimming (9), among others.