At the event, the Cuban ambassador to Italy, Jorge Luis Cepero, highlighted that the recognition bestowed upon Despaigne by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) “is also a reflection of the greatness of the Cuban sports movement.”

He emphasized that the “main architect” of this titanic achievement was Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, who “not only inaugurated sports training schools and stadiums but also instilled in every athlete the conviction that one competes for the homeland, for honor, and for the dignity of a people.”

Despaigne, who turns sixty, played in over 350 international matches during the 1980s and 1990s as a member of the Cuban national volleyball team; the squad won first place at the 1989 World Cup in Japan and secured the silver medal at the 1990 World Championship.

He is the first member of his country’s men’s national volleyball team to join the Hall of Fame, which had previously inducted his compatriots Eugenio George—named the best women’s team coach of the 20th century—as well as players Mireya Luis, Magaly Carvajal, Regla Torres, Regla Bell, Taimaris Aguero, Mirka Francia, and Yumilka Ruiz.

Speaking to Prensa Latina, he stated, “I am a representative of the Cuban people, of the Cuban Revolution that gave us life and helped us grow,” and referred to Fidel—noting that this year marks the centenary of the birth of the man who “was always a father and an example to us.”

“As a son of the Cuban Revolution, I feel a duty to do everything I can to help my people,” Despaigne affirmed.

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