Despite Cuba’s continuing economic struggle, it remains a world leader in sport and physical education.
A trip to Cuba, in conjunction with Darwin Semotiuk’s “Educational Exploration of Sport and Physical Activity in Cuba” course, examines this phenomenon. This was the trip’s third year running, and it was an “unforgettably good experience,” for the undergraduate and graduate students who participated.
Once in Cuba, our group met with experts from The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) to learn how their “Mass Participation” sport and physical education programming has created interdependence between education, community recreation and elite sport systems. INDER provides equal opportunity for all Cuban citizens, from “Pre-womb to Tomb,” to pursue sport and regular physical activity.
But seeing is believing, and it was the field experiences around Havana that left the biggest mark among students.
Our first two stops provided a first-hand look at Cuba’s physical education programs. We participated in a physical education session at Pedro Murillo Primary School, and then travelled to a school for children with hearing or cognitive impairments to learn how Cuba is accommodating disability. Both schools made good use of what little resources they had. The physical education facilities serve multi-purposes, and students have learned to share the limited sporting equipment available.
Day two started with a trip to Ho Chi Minh Community Park to participate alongside Havana’s senior citizens in some tai chi chuan and Latin dance. Seniors in Cuba are well cared for, and INDER provides ample opportunity for participation in daily recreation. These programs are popular and we were impressed at how many enthusiastic seniors had congregated that morning. We were even able to learn a few new dance moves with this very spirited group.
The site of the ’91 Pan Am Games was our next stop, where we were greeted warmly by some of Cuba’s national and Olympic coaches and athletes in track and field. This was particularly special for one of our group’s athletes. Tim Konoval, a Canadian national track and field team member, was amazed by how little this world class team had, but was even more impressed by their positive outlook, discipline and skill. The experience reinforced in his mind the importance of passion, commitment and determination in sporting excellence.
Last stop of day two was The International School of Physical Education and Sport, which is helping to develop sport systems in lesser developed nations. Students travel from Venezuela, Africa, parts of Asia and Central America to learn from Cuba’s expertise. It is a testament to Cuba’s educational services that other nations look to them as a foundation of sport training to be emulated.
On our final day, we visited Cuba’s High Performance and Development Centre for Gymnastics. Two hundred athletes live, train and receive regular schooling at the centre. Talent is spotted early in the primary schools and at the age of nine children begin extensive training. It was remarkable to see such a high level of athleticism and discipline and for many of us this was the highlight of the trip.
A secondary function of our trip was the delivery of aid, and before our departure we put together a large donation package to disperse at each of the sites. The contents of 19 full Mustang’s football travelling bags were given to some very appreciative teachers, coaches, volunteers and students. Donations included baseball equipment and uniforms, swimming goggles, running shoes, City of London t-shirts, Fox 40 whistles, personal care items and school supplies.
This was a profoundly educational experience for our group of 19 students, and we will remember and cherish our time together in Cuba. We want to thank those who support this program, including The International Curriculum fund, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the School of Kinesiology.
The writer is a graduate student in Health and Sciences.
