Cuba and Nicaragua Sign Sports Cooperation Deal

Nicaraguan and Cuban sports authorities signed an agreement today to expand athletic cooperation. The aim is to produce quality athletes for the XI Central American Games, which will be hosted in Managua from Dec. 3 to 17.

RELATED: 
Nicaragua to Inaugurate Sports Center Honoring Hugo Chavez

Gladys Becquer, vice president of the Cuban Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation stated," The main objective is to accompany Nicaragua in the organization of these games." Her statements came during a meeting with Nicaraguan sports authorities.

She went on to acknowledge all of the efforts made by the Central American nation to host the regional event for the first time and also assured that Cuba's involvement will be help "Nicaragua to shine and further enhance the achievements of the Sandinista Revolution in recent years.”

For his part, Mayor of Managua Fidel Moreno emphasized the importance of the agreement between the two countries.

"It's extraordinary pride for us to be able to organize an event of this magnitude and, logically, could not dismiss the unconditional support of the Cuban people and government," he said. In the same vein, Moreno indicated that a group of Cuban coaches is already training Nicaraguan athletes.

Nicaragua has invested more than US$75 million in high-level infrastructure to ensure the quality of the XI Central American Games. It's the first time Nicaragua will host the sporting event since it began in 1973.

Some 5,600 athletes, including coaches, referees and other athletic representatives from seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama will take part in the event.