Master Gato Gato, ITF Board Member and Chair of the ITF Caribbean Development Team, visited Cubaas part of the Caribbean Development Programme. And it was a resounding success.
Sbn Pedro Rodríguez, Ms Daniela Cabrera and their team were exceptional hosts, ensuring the flawless development and execution of all planned activities.
Activities began with an official welcome ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall (Sports Facilities Centre), attended by distinguished representatives, including:
• Representative of the Immigration Department.
• Provincial Director of the National Institute of Sports and Recreation of Camagüey (INDER).
• Representative of the Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM).
• Representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship among Peoples.
• Commissioner of Taekwon-Do (WT).
The event was covered by provincial television and radio, highlighting the importance and impact of the visit.
The Technical Workshop and the promotion exam were held at the Rafael Fortún Chacón Palace. A total of 36 Taekwon-Doin participated, who demonstrated great enthusiasm and dedication in all the activities.
In the promotion exam, 6 candidates were promoted to 1st Dan and 1 to 2nd Dan. The test was rigorous and demanding, and all candidates met the established requirements.
As for the activities, we had the honor of having Mr. Roberto García Canino, provincial methodologist in charge of the Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM), and Shihan Lázaro Bravo, vice president of the same association, who attended both the classes and the promotion exam.
At the end of the activities, a meeting was held in which the affiliation of Sbn Darwin González and its instructors from the provinces of Santiago, Granma and Guantánamo was officially formalized. In March, Sbn Pedro Rodríguez will begin the process of reintegrating these new members into the ITF.
A significant moment of this visit was that Mr. Roberto García Canino took the opportunity to present Sbn Rodríguez with the document issued by the Cuban Martial Arts Association, which officially recognizes ITF Taekwon-Do in Cuba.
The ITF Taekwon-Do Organization of Cuba, in collaboration with the government of the province of Camagüey, expressed its interest in organizing an International Instructors Course as soon as the ITF authorizes it, with the aim of meeting the requirements for future rank promotions.
Master Gato Gato expressed his great appreciation for everything the representatives in Cuba have accomplished. Complying with the security protocols required by the government involves a strict process and must be managed well in advance. From his arrival to his departure, Master Gato Gato received VIP treatment from state officials, and assured that the authorities are willing and prepared to welcome foreign Grand Masters, Masters, and Instructors and make them feel at home.
Cuba needs ITF’s support to continue developing its instructors and members. The national organization has grown, has the support of the government and has shown us that it deserves it.
Text: Master Gato Gato
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