Doctor in Sciences Iván Román Suárez received this Thursday the Honoris Causa degree from the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences (UCCFD) of Havana, for his research results and wide range of services in favor of the development of Cuban sports.

Román Suárez, a native of the municipality of Majagua and based in the Cuban capital, has published more than 40 books on various topics related to the development of strength, both for athletes of different disciplines, as well as other specialties and for people with disabilities.

The «Russian», as he is known in the world of sports, also served as an international weightlifting referee, achieving the highest qualification, which allowed him to impart justice in three Olympic Games (Barcelona ’92, Atlanta ’96 and Sudney ‘2000).

In his endorsement he displays the Sport and Innovation Trophy 2015, awarded by the International Olympic Committee. In 1984 he became the first doctor in the area of sports in the country and 22 years later the first Doctor in Second Degree Sports Sciences, in addition to the Lifetime Achievement award, among many others.

In addition to the Doctor of Sciences Iván Román Suárez, Doctor of Sciences Antonio Pozas Ramos, rector between 1985 and 1995 of the Manuel «Piti» Fajardo University of Sports, received the Honoris Causa award and highlighted the decisive role he played in the creation of branches of the then Higher Institute of Physical Culture in the provinces, as well as in raising the academic quality of professional training.