Fidel reaffirms Cuba to donate World Classic prize money to Katrina victims

Cuba is to donate its earnings as runner-up in the 1st World Baseball Classic to victims of Hurricane Katrina in the southern United States, reaffirmed President Fidel Castro at the end of his welcoming speech to the brilliant Cuban team.

Fidel reaffirms Cuba to donate World Classic prize money to Katrina victims

According to the regulations of the event’s organizers, of the economic benefits allocated to the teams, 9% goes to the winner and 7% to the runner-up.

“Whatever we receive we will deliver to the martyrs of Katrina, whatever it is, whether it is half a million, or one, two, three or four million, without the slightest hesitation and with great satisfaction. That multiplies the moral authority of our athletes,” affirmed the revolutionary leader, to the applause of more than 15,000 young people, including thousands of Latin American scholarship students, who filled the Sports City Coliseum on March 21 for a colorful, emotional ceremony capping the historic day of popular tribute to the valiant ballplayers.