The delegation that placed Cuba third in the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games declared that it had fulfilled its commitment to remain true to the privilege of representing "our heroic and invincible people."

The statement notes that, beyond the joys and disappointments generated by their results, athletes and coaches gave their all as a tribute to the centennial of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the 60th anniversary of the Cerro Pelado epic.

This was also the response to the call issued by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, who, shortly after leading the delegation, urged it to "compete with soul."

To him and to the country's top leadership, who remained closely informed of events on Dominican soil throughout, the delegation extends its gratitude for the messages, phone exchanges, and other expressions of support received.

The delegation was likewise inspired by the aspiration to reciprocate the backing offered by millions of compatriots and other followers of Cuban sport, who, both on the island and elsewhere, celebrated its successes and shared in its frustrations.

Special mention was made of the contribution of the Cuban Embassy in the Dominican Republic and of the supportive friends of the country, who joined the mission undertaken there, as well as of the constant displays of affection received during interactions with the local population.

The statement also highlighted the spirit of cooperation shown by the organizers, the festive atmosphere that characterized this centennial edition of the Games, and the work of the Cuban press professionals responsible for covering the event.

As expected, the recently concluded Games confirmed the rising competitive level across the region, the consolidation of Mexico and Colombia as its leading powers, the progress made by Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, and the impact of Cuban coaches (106 of whom contributed to the achievement of 52 titles, 58 silver medals, and 83 bronze medals across 19 countries).

The distribution of qualifying spots in 19 disciplines for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima added to the appeal that drew Olympic and world medalists, along with regular competitors on professional circuits.

The Cuban delegation, made up largely of young athletes who, as Díaz-Canel noted, "have trained through blackouts and shortages caused by the burden of the United States blockade on the very people they are part of, and still they do not give up," faced the challenge with joy and determination.

Overcoming disadvantages ranging from technology to competitive experience, as well as unjust officiating that limited their performance, the delegation upheld the values of a humanistic sport, with respect for fair play and opponents, aware that its supporters applaud nobility, dignity, and decorum, even when these do not always lead to the podium.

This reflected the spirit sustained throughout what preparation became — a veritable battle — for which the delegation thanks the agencies and institutions that embraced the effort, in keeping with the efforts of the State and Government to guarantee a presence not limited solely to potential medalists.

The unwavering will shown by the athletes and coaches was mirrored in that of the medical staff, federation officials, insurance personnel, and others responsible for key processes, including those carried out in Cuban schools, whose workers are champions of creative resilience.

For all these reasons, regardless of the number of medals, records, and other achievements, and despite the dissatisfaction associated with unmet goals, the third-place finish by country deserves recognition, fulfilling what had been forecast — though this does not mean overlooking the need to reconsider what could have been, and can still be, done better, even under current conditions.

With this outlook, the delegation already looks ahead to the Pan American Games, refusing complacency and determined not to give up.

Below are key figures regarding the delegation's performance:

• As a result of securing 507 qualifying spots — considered its first success — 497 athletes (271 men and 226 women) were registered, four more than in the San Salvador 2023 edition, to compete in 42 sporting disciplines.
• The 51 titles topping the medal count, complemented by 48 silver and 56 bronze medals, fell short of the 62 titles targeted based on analyses conducted with technical teams following the latest adjustments to the competition schedule.
• Of the titles won, 34 went to athletes and/or teams who had been predicted to win them; 23 of the remaining 28 also reached the podium.
• Fifteen sports contributed titles: athletics (10), wrestling (10), judo (6), canoeing (5), rowing (4), taekwondo (3), cycling (2), weightlifting (2), field hockey (2), handball (2), boxing (1), badminton (1), chess (1), karate (1), and beach volleyball (1).
• Cuba dominated in wrestling, judo, field hockey, handball, and beach volleyball, which together contributed 21 titles and one silver medal.
• Twenty-five titles resulted from the efforts of Cuban women athletes, who were also involved in three titles won in mixed events.
• The delegation secured 70 qualifying spots in five sports for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima (handball, field hockey, athletics, archery, and rhythmic gymnastics).