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These are some of Father's references some in Spanish, but they all speak highly of Father. Including what a great artist he was in Sculpting Ivory (marfil and esmalte), photography, his artistic side, his expertise in Gymnastics, especially in Voltige/equestrian skill, all those skills and other sports made him the extraordinary person he was.
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Above an application letter in Spanish to the Sports Commission in Havana, Cuba, typed by my Father (the two yellowed images).
below the translation
Readers: There are no alterations to my translation of Father's request to the Secretary of the National Commission in Physical Education. I did not pay attention to the "nuances" of the English language or the word reversal from Spanish to English.
TRANSLATION:
Havana, June 17,1939
Sirs:
As amplification of my writing request of the same date I have the honor to make aware the Comission, of which you are the Secretary, a synthesis of my professional life in relation with physical education.
Since the year 1905 to 1906 I dedicated myself to Sports in Athletics; I was in that epoch Oficial record holder of France in jumping without propulsion, in longitude 3 meters(long jump) and 42 centimeters in the heigh jump, that is 4 feet and 5 inches.
Also doing very good performances in Pole Vault Jumping, disc and weight and running of 100 and 200 meters. In my past time in the French Cavalry or African Hunters, Spahis and Husars during four years in times of peace I was always Intructor in Voltige, or that is Horse Gymnastics where I was considered outstanding.
In 1912 I established an Athletic school and equitation in Tangiers (Morocco) where I had great success until 1914 epoch of the Great War. In 1927 came to Cuba where since this epoch I dedicate myself to the same occupation, less equestrian, without ever having had any counter effects.
Applying a mixed system with equipment and without them, but with particular attention to what is referred to the breathing and not going to excess concerning to the exercises. Having various equipment of my own invention, having requested of some the patent of my invention.
Sincerely yours,
Comments: Father was certified by the Sports Commission. (I do not have the certificate)
Father's inventions. (stolen from the house).
Father was above his ancestors in performance & skills in many sports, Father was the spirit of freedom, he had a beautiful mind.
Father was in command of the German Language, Spanish, and I must assume in the African languages as well. He spoke to me in Spanish and French, maybe German.
His grandchildren excelled in sports, arts and languages.
Celine