International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons, accompanied by Michele Melissa Formonte, Director of Development for the Americas, arrived in Cuba early Monday morning to carry out a work agenda that will conclude next Thursday.
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At José Martí International Airport, the officials were welcomed by Omara Durand Elías, President of the Cuban Paralympic Committee (CPC); Osvaldo Vento Montiller, head of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER); and Gisleydi Sosa, Director of International Relations. During the welcome, Cuban authorities highlighted the importance of this meeting for the development of the national Paralympic movement.
This marks the first time an IPC president has visited the Caribbean nation—a milestone that, according to Durand, represents a significant show of international support for Cuba and for the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean.
I had thought about coming to Cuba on many occasions, but it wasn’t possible before. I am very interested in what Cuba means for world sport, and specifically for Paralympic sport, Parsons stated to the press.
The official added that he maintains friendships with athletes and coaches and owed it to myself to visit this beautiful country before concluding my final term with the International Paralympic Committee.
La Escuela Solidaridad con Panamá acogió el inicio del programa de trabajo en #Cuba del presidente del Comité Paralímpico Internacional, Andrew Parsons.
Acercamiento a los valores del #DeporteCubano. #CubaNoEsUnaAmenaza, el bloqueo sí pic.twitter.com/iEO6Ycuz6o— JIT Deporte Cubano (@jit_digital) September 14, 2026
The text reads, “The Solidarity with Panama School hosted the start of the work program in Cuba for International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons. An opportunity to experience the values of #CubanSport firsthand. #CubaIsNotAThreat—the blockade is.”
Parsons highlighted the island’s track record in the discipline, asserting that Cuban Paralympic sport has always been a model of success and results, thanks to the potential of its athletes.”After recalling his early days in Brazil, where he first witnessed the caliber of Cuban athletes, he emphasized that the country “possesses great scientific expertise, serving as an example to the world.”
The official agenda includes the signing of a collaboration agreement between the CPC and the Cuban Ministry of Education, as well as a cooperation agreement with the Manuel Fajardo University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences (UCCFD). The visitor will tour the Giraldo Córdova Cardín High-Performance Athlete Training School (Esfaar) to interact with athletes, and will visit the Solidarity with Panama School in the Boyeros municipality, where he will observe recreational activities involving students with physical and motor impairments.
At the end of his visit, Parsons will go to the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, where he will hold a press conference and meet with members of the Cuban Paralympic Committee.
#Cuba | A UN expert warned that U.S. sanctions are restricting access to food, healthcare, education and essential services in Cuba as the Human Rights Council examined their humanitarian impact.#UnitedNations #USBlockade #teleSUREnglish pic.twitter.com/mw7OtL22xy
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) September 9, 2026
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