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basketball players

Aug 22

Canadian Athletes Amp Up Their Game by Learning From Cuban Basketball Players

In 1972 at the Summer Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, the Cuba National Basketball Team brought home the bronze Olympic medal for their incredible athletic performance. Two years later, they went on to finish fourth at the 1974 FIBA World Championship in Puerto Rico. To say that basketball remains to be a popular sport in Cuba would be an understatement, as Cuban athletes have gone on to play for the National Basketball Association, showing their skill, tenacity, and appreciation for the game. 

Cuba’s love for basketball can be seen in how they play the sport and the extensive training that they go through to be able to compete at the best of their ability. It is this passion that students from William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus witnessed and learned more about during their trip to Cuba.

Over and over again, students commented on the boldness that the Cuban players have on the court, allowing their skill and love of the game to show through. Their communication style also contributed to their overall ability and sportsmanship, on and off the court, which was noticed by their Canadian competitors and quickly adopted!

“The enthusiasm that the Cuban girls have of talking to each other, of pushing each other, wanting themselves to get better; our girls have grasped that and are talking more, are communicating more.”-Kim Poapst, Basketball Coach, Alberta

Athletes from William E. Hay Stettler Secondary Campus aren’t just the only ones who have traveled to Cuba to learn from Cuban players and build skill, confidence, and appreciation for basketball. Our team has introduced hundreds of students to Cuba, providing them with a truly educational experience that extends off of the basketball court as well.

If you would like to learn more about our programs in Cuba, send us a quick note. We love helping Canadian and Cuban students connect with each other over their passions, and giving them a chance to experience different cultures that are each incredible in their own ways.