Chile: Cuban Athletes Leave National Delegation After Pan American Games; 1 Formally Seeks Refuge

A Cuban delegate who arrived in Santiago for the Pan American Games has sought refuge from Chile immigration authorities, as confirmed by the Chilean government on Tuesday.

At present, 21 members of the Cuban delegation remain in Chile, according to Reuters.

In recent days, local media reported that seven Cuban athletes left their residences in the Games village and cut off communication with their delegation authorities.

Initially, the Chilean government stated that the Cuban delegates held visas, allowing them to stay for 90 days, with the possibility of renewing for another 90 days.

It was later revealed that the delegates had arrived with special Cuban passports, some of which were set to expire shortly.

Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve clarified that none of the seven athletes mentioned in local media had formally requested refuge.

However, a separate individual of Cuban nationality had made such a request.

"The refugee law operates with a temporary visa that lasts for eight months, starting from the initiation of the refugee process," Monsalve further explained.

He added that out of the 412 Cubans who had traveled to Chile for the games, 391 have since left the country.

Legal Guidance Sought by Cuban Athletes

This incident is not the first time Cuban athletes have sought legal assistance from Hurtado and Bonito Abogados, a law firm specializing in migration and foreign affairs, per BBN.

In a previous case, three members of the Cuban men's hockey team defected from their delegation in Chile and sought refugee status through the same legal representation.

Cuban journalist Francys Romero was the first to report the desertion of the five hockey team players, who left their accommodations following a match against Uruguay.

The sixth athlete to leave was a male track-and-field athlete who had won a bronze medal in the 400-meter hurdles.

However, the Chilean government clarified that they were lawfully in the country on visas permitting a stay of up to three months, with the option to extend for another 90 days.

This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenge of athletes from Cuba and other nations seeking asylum or defecting during international sporting events.

Such events often provide a window of opportunity for athletes to escape their home countries in pursuit of better opportunities or political freedom.

In the case of Cuban athletes, the government's strict control over sports and travel restrictions have been significant factors driving athletes to defect.

Cuban-Born Chile Decathlete Triumphs

Santiago Ford, a Cuban-born decathlete, emerged victorious in the Pan American Games, representing Chile and securing the gold in the decathlon at Santiago's National Stadium.

Santiago Ford, who became a Chilean national in the past year, initially embarked on an extraordinary journey to reach Chile, Business Mirror reported.

In 2018, Ford traveled from Cuba to Guyana and then made his way to Brazil by boat, eventually crossing into Peru and entering Chile's northern regions.

He navigated the harsh terrain of the Atacama Desert, following train tracks to reach the capital, Santiago.

Ford faced hunger and thirst during his arduous journey, but his determination propelled him to his destination.

The idea of making a 6,000-kilometer (3,700-mile) journey from Cuba to Chile initially arose when a group of Chilean coaches visited the island.

Despite achieving a fourth-place finish in the junior world championships, Ford recognized that it was not enough to fulfill his athletic ambitions in his home country.

Thus, he made the courageous decision to leave.

Ford supported himself in Chile by working as a bouncer while striving to excel in his athletic pursuits. This dual role proved challenging, but his determination remained unshaken.

Eventually, he found support from coach Matías Barrera, who hosted him in his home and facilitated his return to training.

At the close of the previous year, Ford and two other athletes received Chile citizenship, granting them the opportunity to compete in the Pan American Games in Santiago.

Ford's remarkable journey and triumph underscore the perseverance and resilience often displayed by immigrants pursuing their goals in a new land.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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