Cuba Approves National Sports System Law

Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP) today approved the draft Law on the Cuban Sports System, aimed at expanding access, promotion, and development of sports across various sectors.

With President Miguel Díaz-Canel in attendance, lawmakers passed the first legal framework designed to strengthen the vision and implementation of Physical Education and Sports for All, while also ensuring the full inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Osvaldo Vento, president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder), emphasized the extensive consultation process the bill underwent, involving state institutions, universities, and research centers.

The legislation drew on the experiences of 11 countries with similar legal frameworks, and incorporated input from the public, athletes, experts, and members of Parliament. A significant number of the proposals received were accepted, Vento noted.

The new law recognizes the unique conditions of Cuba’s national sports identity and defines priority disciplines. It restores the ESPA (High Performance Athlete Development Schools) at both national and provincial levels, and formalizes the creation of local sports academies.

The law also includes specific provisions on communication and sponsorship, and elevates standards for the design, construction, operation, management, use, maintenance, and preservation of sports facilities and heritage assets.

According to Vento, the law aims to preserve and promote the best practices of Cuba’s sports system, and is inspired by the legacy and dedication of historic leader Fidel Castro, whom he referred to as the “Greatest Athlete.”