I arrived in Havana, Cuba on July 27, 2006 to cover the World University Baseball Tournament for Latino Sports. I contacted Silvia Johoy a charming and knowledgeable sports reporter for Radio Rebelde the leading radio station in this island nation. Her advice and assistance proved invaluable during this trip.

On July 31st I picked up my credentials at the International Press Center. I proceeded to meet Antonio Diaz, director of Press Relations for this tournament at the Sports City Complex.

This sports complex serves as the administration headquarters of the Ministry of Sports of Cuba. Our initial conversations focused on the reasons for Cuba's success in Olympic Sports. Mr. Diaz explained that a major factor is the organizational structure of sports and educational programs in Cuba. Sports competition stars in elementary school in the first grade!

These competitions are carried out on a national level and continue through age twelve when students with parental consent are offered admission to a Junior High School level program called The Sports Initiation School. This school covers all thirty-eight Olympic sports and includes a rigorous academic curriculum.

The next level of training is admission to Sports Specialization high school. These outstanding high school athletes go on to join the national teams in their respective sports. Mr. Diaz mentioned that all athletes are required to complete a college education. Competition is not allowed for those who fail academically. Our goal is to develop educated athletes, states Mr. Diaz.

Antonio mentioned Albert Juantorena a successful track and field star in the four hundred and eight hundred meters who is an economist and speaks three languages.

There’s is much detail given to both the success and failures of recent competition The Central American games which just finished and included countries from the Caribbean was totally evaluated on Cuban Television. Cuban Sports experts spoke on how to strengthen weak areas and maintain dominance in sports were Cuba had success. All of the above mention factors contribute to strong sports programs.

More from Havana in my next report.

© Copyright 2006 by LatinoSports.com

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