Under the motto «A summer with my people», the 2026 summer season was officially inaugurated this Sunday in the province of Ciego de Ávila.

The central event took place in the municipality of Majagua, where culture, sport, recreation and community work came together to offer healthy leisure options for the population.

From the early hours of the morning, areas around La Playita de Majagua hosted a voluntary work day planting sunflowers and filling bags at the local nursery.

Representatives from the Red and Blue teams, artists from the Casa de Cultura La Edad de Oro, cultural promoters, workers from the National Institute of Sport and Recreation (INDER), young people and families took part, enjoying a varied programme conceived for all ages.

One of the most significant moments was the handover of the torch symbolising the continuity of the Cuban sporting movement.

Outstanding Avilanian footballer Magdiel Barceló Ávila handed over the flame to Eliécer Valdés, recognised as the oldest athlete in the country’s cycling teams.

With this emotional relay, the 62nd edition of the National School Games was officially inaugurated, accompanied by a sports festival with the participation of athletes from various disciplines.

The ceremony was presided over by Yenny Carvajal Jiménez, member of the Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba Provincial Committee, and by Alfre Menéndez Pérez, Governor of Ciego de Ávila, together with representatives of the Party, the Government and the Young Communist League (UJC).

During the activity, Javier Ávila Crespo, first secretary of the youth organisation in Majagua, highlighted the youth’s commitment to developing a participatory and inclusive summer.

He explained that, jointly with the Culture, Sports and Recreation sectors, a broad programme of community activities has been designed that will reach all popular councils, including the most remote areas of the municipality, through the work of the Community Youth Network and its projects.

Likewise, he indicated that community traditions will be strengthened and recreational, cultural and sporting actions will be developed in different settlements, with the purpose of guaranteeing healthy options for children, young people and families throughout the summer period.

Ávila Crespo also recognised the effort made by the province and the municipality to take on the organisation of the provincial event for the start of summer, the result of joint work by institutions and the active participation of young people.

With the official start of summer 2026, Ciego de Ávila reaffirms its commitment to offering a diverse, inclusive and recreational programme, where culture, sport and community participation are essential pillars for the enjoyment of the people under the motto «A summer with my people».