Cuban-Venezuelan Olympic baseball qualifier draws protest (includes video story)

On Memorial Day, Cubans of all generations gathered to protest inside and outside a Palm Beach ballpark where an Olympic qualifying game was being held.

With flags and banners, dozens of people came to the game between Cuba and Venezuela to raise their voices against the regime and demand the release of political prisoners in Cuba. 

“Homeland and life, down the dictatorship, and Viva Cuba Libre,” protesters cheered.

Videos on social media show a 22-year-old Cuban girl who went out onto the field holding a banner that read ‘Free Cuba.’ 

The police removed her from the ball park, but told her she is not going to face any charges. 

“It’s been over 60 years since the Cuban National team has played in Florida, so there is a lot of history being made,” said George Linley, Palm Beach County Sports Commission executive director.

Venezuela won 6-5.

Gretell Sanchez Perez is a senior student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in broadcast media and minor in e-marketing and social media. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the communication coordinator at the National Association of Journalists. Sanchez hopes to pursue her master’s degree in spanish language journalism and become a reporter/anchor in Miami.