As part of a broad solidarity movement, the Cuban sports system is promoting a call to collect donations for the victims left behind by Hurricane Melissa as it passed through the eastern part of the island.
Through Inder and its National Commission for Attention to Athletes, a call was made to all sporting glories, as well as athletes and families to join this solidarity initiative.
As of the call, spaces were set up in the country’s main athlete training centers to receive contributions. The commissions for attention to athletes and sports departments at all levels will operate with the same objective, according to the information disclosed on the portal’s social networks. Hit.
The appeal highlights the possibility of donating clothing, non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, school supplies, toys or others that are considered useful for the victims.
Important sports figures on the island have joined the initiative, such as former volleyball player Mireya Luis, one of the greatest players in the history of that sport.
The director of the International Federation also sent a special greeting to the inhabitants of the eastern part of the country that suffered the onslaught of the atmospheric phenomenon.
“I want our love, our strength and all the energy in the world to reach them, and for them to know that they are not alone,” Mireya expressed through a video dedicated to the victims and to support the idea.
In turn, he urged all members of the sports movement and the rest of Cubans “to unite in this battle.”
The high jump world record holder, Javier Sotomayor, also joined the displays of solidarity. “It is time, once again, to demonstrate the strength of our unity,” he stated.
Melissa leaves her mark on sports
Among the damage caused by Melissa is the damage to sports infrastructure in those territories.
From Santiago de Cuba it emerged that the Alejandro Urgellés Multipurpose Room had lost a good part of its front window and roof elements, while the Antonio Maceo stadium, current headquarters of the national soccer team, suffered damage to the benches and the glass of the booths.
The hurricane also damaged part of the roof and areas of the athletics track and the Guillermón Moncada stadium. The Captain Orestes Acostas EIDE was also affected, mainly on roofs and bedroom windows, along with the loss of a tower in the pool, according to the report by journalist Brita García.
In Las Tunas, the greatest damage was recorded in the Leonardo McKenzie Multipurpose Room, especially in its plank and ceiling. The Julio Antonio Mella baseball stadium only lost one zinc plate from its roof due to strong winds.
Traces of Hurricane Melissa were also left in other less important facilities, such as the baseball stadium in the town of Sagua de Tánamo, in Holguín, which completely flooded looked like a swimming pool, as could be seen in images posted on social networks.
