The Casa Soy Cuba, officially inaugurated there, aims to be a bridge of friendship between France and the island.

On an emotional day, in which there was no lack of recognition of the historic deeds of the Revolution, the Casa Soy Cuba was inaugurated today in the town of Tremblayla, a warm corner that will become a piece of the Island during the celebration of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The opening ceremony, which was attended by the president of Inder, Osvaldo Vento Montiller, together with the mayor of Tremblay, François Asensi, was a sensitive demonstration of the ties of friendship and solidarity that unite French and Cubans.

The venue, which was dressed in its best clothes for the occasion, hosted an exhibition of images and illustrative texts on the undeniable achievements promoted by the Revolution in sectors such as health, biotechnology, tourism, education and culture, among others.

Thanks to this beautiful idea supported by the Cuba-Cooperation France Association, visitors can learn about the efforts of a people to defend its achievements, including the practice of sport as a right.

«That is why it is not surprising that, in the midst of all the enthusiasm unleashed about this movement, this is the headquarters of the space designed to bring locals and visitors to part of the work erected thanks to the Revolution, led by Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz,» said Vento Montiller to the hundreds of residents of Villa de Tremblay who participated in the event.

«We do so with a mixture of healthy pride and gratitude, aware of the efforts behind each of these achievements, and equally aware of how much solidarity, respect and admiration they generate around the world.

«This has been demonstrated during these pre-Olympic days, and will continue to be evident during the days dedicated to fulfilling the programme that will give life to this stage, built with the help of several Cuban ministries and institutions, and added to the chapters that exalt the trajectory of Cuba Cooperation-France,» acknowledged the head of the delegation that will represent the island in the demanding multi-sport event.

At the same time, he referred to all the work carried out by the Association to conceive and execute a project that has allowed a good part of the members of the Olympic delegation to complete their preparation in 11 training centres in 25 French cities.

Victor Fernandez, president of Cuba-Cooperation France, was described as the soul of this great work, and once again expressed his warm thanks for the support given over the years to the people of the island and to the project they are determined to build, despite the many obstacles along the way, especially the increasingly harsh economic blockade imposed by the US government.

At another point in the activity, Otto Vaillant, Cuban Ambassador to France, stressed the respect felt by the Caribbean country for such a noble gesture, «a nation of peace, owner of a Revolution that defends its right to self-determination and promotes the most sacred human values in the midst of enormous difficulties».

«The House we are inaugurating today is the result of intense collective work and coordination in France and Havana. Here, the ideas for the assembly were projected, while a working group of the Party and the Government in Cuba conceived the messages, the images, the conferences and activities. Many anonymous hands are behind this result,» said the diplomat.

«We will reciprocate this friendship forever and we will surely undertake common projects of great value for both peoples,» said Vaillant at the ceremony, which was also attended by Roberto León Richards, head of the Cuban Olympic Committee (COC), along with other directors of Inder and several athletes who will compete in the Parisian competition.

In correspondence with the support received in these lands, the occasion was propitious to honour those who have led this dream until it became a reality. At the proposal of Inder, approved by the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, the mayor, Asensi, and the unconditional Víctor Fernández received the Order of the Martyrs of Barbados from the hands of the president of the sports organisation.
The evening was rounded off with a concert by pianist José María Vitier, flautist Niurka González and other guests.