Quotes

"(...) it is truly laudable, the degree of integrity which has evolved in this country, the civic-mindedness of this people, the discipline of this people, the spirit of this people; really, I'm proud of the entire people, I have tremendous faith in the people of Cuba. It's worthwhile, making sacrifices for this people".

Speech on his arrival in Havana on 8 January 1959

"To speak of physical exercise and sports is to speak of health; it is to speak of discipline, of forming young people’s character, of healthy habits, of the battle against drugs. Sports are the antithesis of drugs; sports are the antithesis of alcoholism. Sports and physical exercise are a preventive remedy for many illnesses that can kill or disable, such as obesity, or a decrease in a person’s faculties".
 
 

Speech by the 40th anniversary of INDER and the opening of the International School of Physical Education and Sports, February 23, 2001

"The methods, discipline and rigor of the National Ballet School have produced formidable artists".

Key address at the opening ceremony of the 18th Havana International Ballet Festival, October 19, 2002