Statement by the Cuban delegation to the Paralympic Games Paris 2024

Cuban delegation that participated at the 17th edition of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games issued today the statement that summarizes and highlights the performance in the Parisian multisport event.

Cuba finished 24th in the medal standings, with 10 medals, six gold, three silver and one bronze, a result that fulfilled the pre-competition purpose and surpassed the performance in the previous version of Tokyo 2020 (35/4-1-1).

The following is the complete note received from the City of Light:

The delegation that represented Cuba at the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 returns to the homeland with the satisfaction of having competed with dignity, total dedication and adherence to the values of our sport, inspired by the legacy of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro and fulfilling the commitment made with the leadership of the country and our people.

It also does so in gratitude for the support received by the State, the Government and the Inder to ensure an optimal sports preparation, an effort made despite the acute material and financial limitations we face, intensified by the brutal blockade imposed on us by the U.S. government.

The support provided by the two national sports schools, the associations representing our athletes, the provincial sports directorates and their families were decisive factors in the results obtained, to which our diplomatic mission and supportive friends also contributed at the venue.

There have been multiple expressions of support received from the most remote places, where the people to whom we owe ourselves followed with interest what happened during these intense and demanding days, with the main leaders of the Revolution aware of every detail, led by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.

Our delegation, made up of 21 athletes and a guide, more than the number of participants in the previous edition, doubled the number of women and contributed with the Island's premieres in Parataekwondo and Para Archery, in addition to achieving medals never before obtained in Paratable Tennis and Parapowerlifting.

It is worth mentioning that out of the 577 events, Cuba only participated in 28 (4.8%), which shows the numerous potentialities to be exploited in order to continue advancing to higher levels.

The conquest of 10 medals (6 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze) placed Cuba in 24th place by countries, which meant a step up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, in addition to the fact that six athletes obtained Paralympic diplomas.

Cuba closed fifth among the nations of the Americas and third among those of Latin America.

The coaches were able to get the athletes to perform at their sporting best. The sports medicine specialists and the managers in charge of conducting the process also deserve recognition for the results achieved.
The performance of parashooting was significant, with fourth place in the men's 10-meter pistol.

The cohesion, unity and consecration of the delegation overcame limitations to make the most of the preparation, supported by the political will associated with the role assigned to sport in our country and the multiplication of alliances in science and innovation.

Our delegation maintained an ethical behavior, adjusted to fair play, discipline, respect for opponents and the spirit of fraternal exchange.

The Parisian competition scenarios provided stimulating manifestations of sympathy, a reflection of the international prestige of Cuban sport and the Revolution.

We have fulfilled our duty to the homeland, now we must prepare ourselves with more determination to face future challenges and continue paying tribute to the Cuban sports movement for new victories.

Long live Cuba!
CUBAN PARALYMPIC DELEGATION
Paris, September 9, 2024