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Cuba complete preparations for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics in Dubai

By our reporter On Aug 20, 2021 0

National Paralympic Committee of Cuba President Alberto Juantorena believes the relationship between the nation and Dubai could increase in future after the completion of a two-week training camp prior to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

A 39-member Cuban Paralympic delegation has prepared for the Paralympic Games in the city in the United Arab Emirates.

The delegation arrived in Dubai on August 2.

Cuban athletes are set to compete in athletics, table tennis, swimming, powerlifting, judo and cycling competitions in Tokyo.

The athletes trained at Dubai Club for People of Determination, Hamdan Sports Complex and the Nad Al Sheba cycling track.

The athletes are due to start leaving Dubai this week to compete at Tokyo 2020.

“We are very happy to be here in Dubai,” said Juantorena, a double gold medallist at the Montreal 1976 Olympic Games.

“You have some amazing facilities here and we thank Dubai and Dubai Sports Council for supporting our preparations for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“We chose Dubai because the facilities are fantastic, the people are fantastic and the support from Dubai Sports Council was really strong.

“The camp was fantastic, and I believe the relationship between Dubai and Cuba must increase and grow in the future.

“This is my hope.

“Deep in my heart I feel that we can do many things together for both countries in the future.

“We can work together to develop not just the Paralympic movement in our countries, but sports in general.”

Juantorena reportedly made the comments in a visit to the Dubai Sports Council.

Juantorena and Raul Fornes Valenciano, First Vice Minister of Sports in Cuba, met with a series of officials.

This included Saeed Hareb, secretary general of Dubai Sports Council, Asian Paralympic Committee President Majid Al Usaimi, and Mohammed Abdul Karim, vice-chairman of Dubai Club for People of Determination.