The 23 Cuban coaches hired in 1997 to prepare the nation’s top athletes left yesterday. There had been talk their contracts would be renewed through December, but this did not occur. The coaches cost the Dominican government US$1,500 a month each, of which US$1,200 was paid to Cubadeportes, an affiliate to the Ministry of Sports of Cuba. The coaches received US$300 and lodging accommodations as pay for their work in the DR. Many supplemented their income coaching privately. The coaches were hired to prepare the top athletes for international events, and primarily for the 2003 Pan American games. Several were very highly regarded. The president of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Dr. Jose Joaquin Puello said that the Cuban technicians would return once the new minister of sports, Cesar Cedeño is positioned in the post. He said the new government would renew their contracts. Puello is also holding talks with the US Olympic Committee for trainers to prepare Dominican athletes.
