At the beginning of 2017, after his retirement as coach of the national women’s Judo team, Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié created the “spring” project, with the aim of training future champions of this discipline.
Five years later, what started as a dream is a reality. The “Antonio Maceo” gymnasium of the transit community of Santa María del Rosario, in the municipality of Cotorro, is an example of how much can be achieved when there is love, dedication and the desire to do things well, even with economic shortcomings.
We were able to perceive this at the reopening of this beautiful facility, which brings together children between the ages of 5 and 15, which was attended by Roilán Rodríguez, Member of the Provincial Bureau of the PCC, and Tatiana Viera, coordinator of the Government’s objectives and programs in the capital and the sports director of Havana, Ariel Darias, as well as the authorities of the municipality. Tatiana recognized Professor Veitía’s commitment to his country.
“More than being a great coach, he is one of the best patriots that Cuba has and he has shown it throughout his life. He was a great friend of Fidel, therefore we are happy to be here with him”.
Veitía, who was inducted into the World Judo Hall of Fame in 2018, commented on this project where he intends to train champions in this martial art. “When I finished with the national team, I didn’t want to part with this sport. You can already see the results that we are having with these children in the community.”
The President of the International Judo Federation, Marius Vizer, has also collaborated with this initiative of one of the greatest coaches of this sport in the world. “I told him what I was doing and he was very happy. He donated the Tatami, kimonos, watches and garters to us”.
His great passion, Judo, serves to fill the void left by the loss of his partner in life for more than four decades. “I lost my wife very recently and I try to fill that gap in this gym. I owe Mercedes Rodríguez everything I have achieved in life, since she was by my side for 44 years”.
This project by Ronaldo Veitía has been well received even by judokas from other countries. “Guatemalan and Swedish have come here to carry out training camps and have praised the conditions of the gym. Now a team of children from the Dominican Republic wants to come, so this can continue to grow.”
The Labor Hero of the Republic of Cuba assured that Judo helps to forge values. “Courage, love for sport, this when it gets into your blood it never comes out”.
Veitía has led the women’s team for more than 30 years, 25 medals in events under the five rings, of which six are gold, and 57 medals at the World Championships, with 16 titles. “Women have the cunning, the strength of spirit, the love of what they do. That’s why I always wanted to work with them and now I’m teaching the children of my community”.
(Taken from Rebel Radio)
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