Sports in Cuba

The practice of sport and physical exercise in Cuba has a high level of acceptance among the citizens. It is estimated that about 25% of the Cuban population practice sports in one way or another. Therefore, indulging in sports is a common activity in Cuba. 

1: Baseball

It is considered as the national sport of Cuba. According to information, the first Baseball Championship in Cuba was held in 1878. The Almendares Park baseball stadium was opened in 1881 on Carlos III Avenue and Ayestaran. The 1st Amateur Baseball Championship was held in Havana in 1905.

Later, Cuba's National Baseball Amateur League was founded in 1914. The La Tropical Stadium, today Pedro Marrero, was inaugurated in 1929 and it hosted the 2nd Central American and Caribbean Games in 1940. The Great Stadium of Havana, now the Latin American Stadium, was inaugurated on 1946 in the municipality of "Cerro", with a seating capacity for 35,000 spectators, which increased to 55,000 spectators. The Havana Cubans, of the Florida International League started playing at this ground. After the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution, the professional baseball statutes were changed and the present amateur game was made official.

2: Skating

Cuba's endless promenades, tree covered parks and sea from Malicons have proved to be excellent skating or roller blading. Above all, Havana and Varadero offer thorough fares and endless miles of smooth pavement under the bright Caribbean sun. Raul Argüelles Skating Centre which is located very near to the Sport arena in Havana it offers the best facilities for training and practice. Special excursions can be purchased which include training, roller-blade rental and pads.

3: Boxing

Boxing is the sport in which Cuba has received the most world titles. A total of 23 medals have been won for world titles and Olympics events. All sports in Cuba are considered as amateur league and thus Cuban boxers do not challenge widely publicised professional "world titles". Titles are as follows: 23 gold medals, 12 silver medals and 5 bronzes for the Olympic Games.

Alcides Sagarra, founder since 1960, of the Cuban boxing Association has trained some redoubtable boxers for the Cuban teams. He also considered as the best trainer on the island by aficionados. Within his portfolio of boxers you can find names such as, Teófilo Stevenson, Félix Savón and Maikro Romero who have achieved appareled results in the sport of punching and defense world-wide.

4: Athletics

José Barrientos, a human bullet in the 100-meter competition, opened the eyes of the whole world to show Cuba's potential in athletics when, as early as 1928, he run that distance in 10.2 seconds.

However, the mark was never homologated. That is the reason why we are sure when we say that athletics is one of the most emblematic sports of the island. Even before the triumph of the revolution, in 1959, there were other gifted athletes that showed their qualities mostly in Pan-American and Central American and Caribbean Games. Those were the cases of Rafael Fortún and Ángel García, runners of 100 and 400 meters respectively.

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