«This is the premier multidisciplinary event of Cuba’s sporting movement,» stated INDER President Osvaldo Vento Montiller, confirming the commitment to hold such a major competition under challenging circumstances.

«Coinciding with the new Olympic cycle, we show the nation the faces of athletes who will represent Cuba at future international events,» he affirmed.

Following the official opening of the 61st National School Games, the President of the Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation highlighted the festive atmosphere among children, praising the unique inauguration at a venue he described as having excellent conditions.

«This exemplifies creativity; Matanzas made us dream,» he added, noting that nearly 9,000 participants would be transported to competition venues.

The opening ceremony’s novelty lay in each provincial delegation parading along the San Juan River – the waterway also hosting the torch relay. The flame passed through several sporting legends of the territory before lighting the cauldron, which will burn until the games conclude.

The cauldron lighting (featuring a miniature replica of the José Lacret Morlot bridge columns, a city symbol) was performed by Tashkent judo world champion Andy Granda and water polo record-holder Johen Lefont.

Attendees included Communist Party Central Committee officials Mary Carmen Rojas Torres and Daniel Baz Pérez; Provincial Party First Secretary Mario Sabines Lorenzo; and Governor Marieta Poey Zamora, among other leaders.

Matanzas – where significant preparatory work occurred – is a key talent hub and will host three disciplines: sailing, diving, and artistic swimming.

The National School Games will continue until early August, with the closing ceremony scheduled for 2 September in Havana, coinciding with the new academic year’s start.