Sancti Spíritus Celebrates its Top Athletes of 2024
The Sancti Spíritus municipality recently honored its most accomplished athletes of 2024 in a ceremony hosted by INDER-Prensa. Olympic rifle shooter Lisbet Hernández and boxer Jorge Cuéllar were crowned the top individual athletes, while basketball stars eilen Gilbert and Yoanki Mencia received accolades for their collective achievements.
The event also recognized rising talent, naming 19-year-old boxer Adrián Licea as the “Rookie of the Year.” Licea’s extraordinary performance included a silver medal and a gold medal victory at the prestigious Playa Girón national tournament. Baseball, specifically the 11-12 year old team that secured the national runner-up title in the Little League, was recognized as the “Event of the Year” and the most outstanding team.
Sancti Spíritus’s strong sporting culture was evident, with the Gallos baseball team, boasting a notable number of players from the municipal capital and achieving an eighth-place finish in the last 63 National Series, being lauded as the most outstanding collective sport. Judo,with its extraordinary individual performances,was also recognized as a standout sport.
The ceremony celebrated a diverse range of athletes across various disciplines. Notable honorees included Frederich Cepeda, basketball players Arlen Dayan Zaporta and Yamara Amargo, goalkeeper Javier Alejandro Vega, volleyball players Brayan Francisco Valle and Lianet García Anglada (a member of the national Morenas del Caribe team), cyclist Brayan Mandín Rodríguez, softball player Ana Amalia González (currently excelling in Spain’s professional softball league), hockey player Sheila Darias, and taekwondo athlete Brayan José Cantero.The ceremony also paid tribute too young athletes, recognizing gymnast Diorges Escobar Olmo.In the youth category,the late archery medalist diana del Rocío Rodríguez and judoka Yamir Valdés Pentón were posthumously honored as the most distinguished athletes of the year.
The municipality of Sancti Spíritus further recognized its top athletes, including sports shooters Paula Heydi Yanes, Ormides Batista, Leidy Laura Herrera, and Gabriela Pérez Rodríguez. Archery standouts Abraham Pérez and Cristian Santos were also acknowledged, along with fencer Rosalía Vega, baseball players Leandro Pérez and Leandro Matamoros (from baseball five), and Brayan Terry Pérez, who was recognized as the best disabled athlete.
The ceremony extended its recognition to various sporting associations. Judoka Alain Calderón stood out in ANCI, while Yumalay Valdés Cruz, a judoka from ANSOC, received accolades. Orestes Cañizares, a chess player from ACLIFIM, was also recognized, as was Yoandri Beltrán Delgado, a multi-medallist weightlifter from the Cuban Association of People with Intellectual Disabilities (ACPDI).
The event concluded by honoring individuals who contribute significantly to the sporting landscape. Carlos Arias Roque was recognized as the best international sports shooting referee,while taekwondoka Yurislando Romero was named the best national impartial. Edreis Luis Cruz and Hiram Pérez Beltrán, both from the sport of baseball, also received mentions.
the ceremony celebrated the dedication of coaches and teachers.Ariel Obregón was recognized for his excellence in high-performance coaching, while Wilber Herrera, the five baseball coach, was honored for his contributions at the base level.Gilberto Grandela, a physical education teacher, and Rolando Avila Martínez, a dedicated activist, were also recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sporting community.
Sancti Spíritus Celebrates Athletic Triumphs, Honors Rising Stars
Sancti Spíritus recently took time to recognize its sporting elite, showcasing the depth and breadth of talent cultivated within the municipality. INDER-Prensa orchestrated a ceremony that acknowledged individual brilliance, celebrated collective success, and highlighted promising newcomers.
The spotlight shone brightest on Olympic rifle shooter Lisbet Hernández and boxer Jorge Cuéllar, who earned the titles of top individual athletes for their remarkable performances throughout 2024. Their dedication and exceptional skill exemplify the high standard of athleticism in Sancti Spíritus.
In the realm of team sports, basketball reigned supreme. The dynamic duo of Eileen Gilbert and Yoanki Mencia were recognized for their contributions to the sport, showcasing their teamwork and individual prowess that brought success to the Sancti Spíritus basketball community.
The future of Sancti Spíritus athletics is equally shining, evidenced by the recognition of 19-year-old boxing sensation Adrián Licea as the “Rookie of the Year.” Licea’s meteoric rise, punctuated by a silver and a gold medal victory at the prestigious Playa Girón national tournament, signals a promising future for the young athlete.
Adding another chapter to the success story was the 11-12 year old Little League baseball team. Their unwavering determination culminated in a national runner-up title at the Little League level,earning them the prestigious “Event of the Year” award.This achievement highlights the dedication of young athletes and their coaches, demonstrating the strength of youth progress programs in Sancti Spíritus.
This celebratory event stands as a testament to the rich sporting culture flourishing in Sancti Spíritus. It highlights the commitment of athletes, coaches, and the community in nurturing talent and striving for excellence. As Sancti Spíritus continues to cultivate its athletes, the future promises even more remarkable achievements on the national and international sporting stage.
