Cuba’s Raisa Ofarril, two-time Olympic volleyball champion, died early Tuesday morning in Havana at the age of 51, victim of a painful illness.
Ofarril was one of the passers of the Olympic champion team in Barcelona -92 and Atlanta -96 under the leadership of professors Eugenio George and Antonio Perdomo, in which legendary figures such as Mireya Luis and Regla Torres played.
“Sad news: Raisa Mirelda Ofarril Bolaños, member of the golden generation of the Morenas del Caribe, passed away. Two-time Olympic champion and world titleholder. iconic figure of our volleyball,” wrote on Twitter the president of the Institute of Sports of Cuba ( Inder), Osvaldo Vento.
“From the Inder we share the pain of family and friends,” he added.
In dialogue with Radio Habana Cuba, the phenomenal Mireya Luis considered Raisa as a sister and amid the pain for her passing said that she was “an example of modesty, humility, excellent person, mother and friend.”
She considered her a warrior and an example of stoicism, and recalled that she stood by her side and that of her two daughters supporting her all the time during her illness.
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) also sent condolences to the volleyball player’s family and mourned her passing.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss you and your family have suffered, and my heart goes out to all of you at this time,” said FIVB head Ari Graca in his condolence message to O’Farril’s family.
Several Cuban sports glories have expressed their sorrow upon hearing the news and have sent messages of encouragement to his family.
Among the first to express their sorrow are Ana Fidelia Quiros, Yumileidis Cumbá, Daima Beltrán, Raúl Diago, Ihosvany Hernández and José Francisco Reinoso.
The body of Ofarril, a native of Villa Clara, in the central region of Cuba, is on display at the funeral home of Calzada y K, in Havana, and will later be cremated.
