The Cuban Basketball Federation (FCB), the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder) and the University of Physical Culture and Sports Sciences (Uccfd Manuel Fajardo) paid well-deserved tribute this Thursday to the excellent Technical Director of the national team national women’s basketball team Manuel Pérez Propin, better known as “El Gallego.”
The meeting was held in the Magistral Hall of the academic institution and was attended by sports glories, professors, as well as active athletes.
Manuel Pérez (El Gallego, 1944-2024) ceased to exist recently, but his legacy deserves to be highlighted, especially when he was a man dedicated to our discipline, commented Matilde Charro, one of the members of women’s basketball that so many successes they achieved for our country.
A true guide, educator, the maker of the memorable results of our team between 1986 and 1992, said Dalia Henry, current President of the Cuban Basketball Federation and National Commissioner.
For the Master of Science Juan Carlos Betancourt González, Secretary of the Federation, professor Manuel Pérez, means a lot to Cuban sports, since he placed the Greater Antilles at the top.
Betancourt González endorsed the results achieved during the 18 years he served as coach between 1975 and 1993: Bronze medal at the World Cup in Malaysia in 1990. Fourth place at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992, sixth place at the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980. .
In addition, he achieved first places in five Olympic Games, and won one gold medal and two silver medals at the Pan American Games.
As an added value, we must highlight the training and performances of basketball players of the stature of Regla Hernández, Leonor Borrel, Matilde Charro, Odalis Cala and Dalia Henry herself.
Around him everyone reached the top, he made them better professionals and people, extremely important aspects for their lives.
For his part, sports commentator René Navarro, through social networks, shared with Granma other human aspects of the beloved professor such as: his teaching work on these premises, at the Sports Initiation School (EIDE) and at the Higher School of Improvement Atlético (ESPA).
Due to his desire for training, he obtained the status of top-class referee instructor in Cuba.
For me Manuel Pérez Proupin turned out to be exceptional. Capable, respectful man, trainer of students and athletes with worthy values for his family and friends.
A true professional in his work, publicly praised by Eugenio George and Mario Risita Quintero respectively.
One of the best coaches in the history of team sports in Cuba concluded René Navarro.
Without a doubt, this posthumous tribute served to never forget the pedagogical essence of a man always dedicated to basketball.
