The Second Vice President of the Senate, Didier Lobo Chinchilla, in the Constitution Hall presented the Order of the Congress of Colombia in the Knight Degree to several personalities from sports and artistic life who have stood out for their discipline, perseverance and continuous learning in their career.
Orlando Andrés Liñán García has demonstrated great talent as a singer, actor and presenter, becoming one of the most beloved artists in the region and the country. He began his professional life by launching the musical hit “La Chacha”, the official theme of the Barranquilla carnival in 2016 and his career catapulted after starring in a novel with the greatest Vallenato music, maestro Diomedes. Diaz.
Luis Fernando ‘Luisfer’ Cuello, Colombian singer, composer and musician, began his musical career at an early age, standing out at festivals with his talent on the flute and percussion. After studying in Bucaramanga, he joined youth groups and focused on helping his parents. In 2003 he joined accordion player Saúl Lallemand and released the album “En el Mejor Momento”, obtaining a Gold Record for countless sales. Precursor of the “New Wave of Vallenato” at the beginning of 2000, together with other artists such as Manuel Julián, they introduced more youthful and fresh rhythms that revitalized the genre.
Likewise, former soccer player Eusebio Vera Lima, a Colombian professional soccer player in the 1980s, was exalted, where he participated in large sports clubs such as Atlético Bucaramanga, Millonarios, Deportes Quindío, Santa Fe and Selección Colombia. Vera Lima was in various tournaments in the youth category where he demonstrated his commitment, tenacity and discipline to stand out today as one of the great sports entrepreneurs in the country.
The Colombian coach from the city of Cali, Héctor Fabio Cárdenas Berrío, was similarly recognized for his commitment to the development of the country’s soccer talent. His focus has been on the training of young players, which has been fundamental for the growth and evolution of Colombian football at the national and international level.
Hernán Torres Oliveros, a native of the city of Ibagué, was honored for his love of soccer and his discipline and dedication, which led him to climb important steps in his sports project. He began his professional career as the fourth goalkeeper for Deportes Tolima, making his debut in the first division of Colombian professional soccer in a match against Atlético Nacional. In 2000 he had his first experience as a technical assistant for Deportes Tolima and then went on to support teams such as Deportivo Cali, Atlético Huila, Deportivo Pasto and Millonarios.
The Order of Congress was also conferred on former soccer player Ricardo Pérez Tamayo, better known as “El Gato Pérez” who began his professional life at the age of 17 making his debut in the Los Millonarios Sports Club, played in the Colombian National Team, in several teams in the country and He had international experiences in China, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, Qatar and Portugal. He retired in 2006 leaving a legacy of 53 goals and 154 games, he has a Master’s Degree in Sports Entity Management and in 2022 he was appointed as sports manager of the Major Division of Colombian Soccer, consolidating his sports influence in the country.
“We pay tribute to six exceptional Colombians who have left an indelible mark in the heart of our nation. His achievements in sports, music and television are testimony to dedication, talent and commitment to excellence and the country,” highlighted Senator Didier Lobo Chinchilla.
