Cuban sportsmen who had just finished their performance in the Beijing Olympic Games were welcomed Monday as heroes in their hometowns.

National TV stations broadcasted images of the welcoming ceremonies for Judoka Yorandis Arencibia and long jumper Ibrahim Camejo, who both won a bronze medal in the games, in the municipalities of Amancio (east, province of Holguin) and on the island of Juventd, respectively.

Both athletes thanked the popular homage from the people and they gave details about how difficult the competitions were in Beijing.

Former Cuban Leader Fidel Castro, in an article published Monday by the local press, said that Cuban athletes who competed in the Beijing Olympics had great merit as representatives of non-professional sports.

He called for the whole country to respect the Olympic sportsmen, and hail their dignity and their merit.

During the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, 165 Cuban athletes competed in 16 sports, winning 24 medals -- two gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze. Cuba finished at 28th place on the medal table of nations.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)