International campaign demands visas for Cuban athletes

HAVANA, Cuba, November 25 (ACN) Activists from several continents launched the "Let Them Play" campaign to demand that the United States government grant visas to Cuban athletes, following the denial of approximately one hundred permits so far in 2025, which is hindering their participation in qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

According to official reports, entire delegations have been excluded from competitions and essential technical meetings on the road to the Olympics, Telesur reported.

Yasser Ibarra, First Secretary of the Cuban Embassy to Washington, stated that denying an athlete the right to compete affects careers, collective dreams, and the possibility of representing a nation with dignity.

The campaign is led by the Hands Off Cuba Committee in Los Angeles, with representation in six other U.S. cities, and proposes actions such as sending messages to the International Olympic Committee and mobilizing the support of sports figures and international organizations.

Mark Friedman, coordinator of the solidarity group, explained that the strategy includes a presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, in addition to collaboration with the National Network on Cuba, a coalition that brings together more than 60 organizations in the United States.

The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (INDER by its Spanish acronym) reported that the economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed by Washington has caused losses exceeding $15 million in the last five years, with a peak of $2 million between August 2021 and February 2022.

The institution indicated that Cuba was unable to pay $123,000 to 89 international federations, including the fee to the World Anti-Doping Agency, and denounced the withholding of prizes intended for Cuban athletes and referees due to the refusal of foreign banks to process transactions with the island.

Companies like Cubadeportes S.A. faced difficulties repatriating revenue, accumulating $600,000 in accounts receivable, while the Cuban Shooting Federation reported an inability to acquire ammunition, shotguns, and pistols, as well as limited access to cutting-edge technology and nutrition for high-performance athletes.

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be held from July 14 to 30 and will include more than 35 sports, among them new disciplines such as flag football, cricket, lacrosse, and squash, in addition to the return of baseball and softball.