CCS&CF Sports & Cultural Festivals was founded in 1987 by CCS&CF President, Jonathan Watts. We represent agencies and institutions of the Cuban Ministries of Culture, Science & the Environment, Sport, and Education. We facilitate programs in Cuba for universities, schools and research/cultural institutions and sports federations located in Canada and the United States.
Since 1989 CCS&CF, working within the framework of US government regulations, has specialized in arranging educational performing arts, sports exchanges and conferences in Cuba for numerous North American institutions.
In January 1999 the President announced his decision to expand people-to-people contact between Americans and Cubans. As a result there has been a significant increase in US government approved cultural exchange with Cuba.
Current projects include; credit courses and conferences in Cuba for US and Canadian universities (organized by our sister organization: The Eleggua Project), sports training, competitions and performing arts programs in Cuba for hundreds of professionals and students, a performance tour for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, as well as several projects for the Royal Ontario Museum.
In addition we are proud to have been selected to organize a Canadian student performing arts delegation that traveled to Cuba in the spring of 1998to tour a 100% Canadian content show for Cuban audiences prior to Canadian Prime Minster Jean Chretien's visit there. The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs supported the project and we worked in close coordination with the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the Cuban Ministry of Foreign affairs to ensure maximum success.
In 1992, to provide a more streamlined administration we established an in house travel department. The travel department is managed by Karina Hulland operates as a travel agent and tour operator under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, with license #04069993. All payments received for travel arrangements are guaranteed by the Ontario Travel Compensation Fund.
Accommodation: Housing selected for CCS&CF programs is in hotels chosen for their safe and quiet locations. All have a restaurant, snack bar and swimming pool. Students are housed two to a room. Rooms are air-conditioned, have a private en suite bathroom and satellite TV.
Meals: All programs include daily breakfast and dinner. Lunches can be included if requested. A typical breakfast includes fresh fruit, yogurt, and eggs (scrambled or fried), breakfast meat, toast, pastries, juice and café au lait. A typical dinner includes a variety of salads, soup, rice and/or potatoes, boiled vegetables, chicken and/or fish and/or meat, dessert. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated however in the case of life threatening allergies students should bring additional appropriate food to supplement what is locally available.
References: For a first hand report on traveling in Cuba with students please request the up-to-date list of others who have recently returned from CCS&CF programs in Cuba. We also invite you to contact the following people who are also familiar with our organization.
Enrique Prieto, Consul
Consulate of Cuba, Toronto
Tel: 416-234-8884
Andres Gonzalez, 2nd Secretary & Cultural Attaché
Embassy of Cuba, Ottawa
Tel:613-563-0141
Gabriel Alvarez, Director
Cuba Tourist Board, Toronto
Tel: 416-362-0700
Cuba is a safe and fascinating country. The arts are a major part of everyday life. Music is everywhere and Cuba's jazz, folklore and choral traditions are renowned. All in a country that has enjoyed the fusion of African and European heritage for more than 500 years.
Our North American and Cuban staff look forward to working with you and welcoming you and your students to Cuba ... the friendliest country in Central America and Caribbean.
To request more info. and a video
CONTACT US AT cancuba@pathcom.com
This page last updated 09/09/2005