Alberto Rey Games Hernandez

LIFE IN CUBA
Alberto Rey Games Hernandez was born January 6, 1938 in city of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba to parents Dolores Hernandez Cayamo (Mother) and Alberto Severo Games Salas (Father). He began lifting weights at the early age of thirteen at Gimnasio Oriente under the guidance of Enrique Calderon. Alberto competed in the same division as Sergio Oliva, Division 198 lbs, competing in many local and regional competitions. This gym would produce two National Champions in the late 50’s and 60’s, when the sport had attained popularity; athletes such as Jorge Roy, 1957’s National Champion in the 123 Division and Alberto Rey Games in the 198 Division. By the time Alberto Games was 17 years old he won Santiago de Cuba’s Championship and also the Regional Championship. In 1960, he married Ada Noelia Tamajon Navarro. They would have three children, Alina Games, Alberto Rey Games, and Jorge Juaquin Games.
THE CHAMPIONSHIP 1962
In 1959, Fidel Castro's Cuban Revolution triumphed and a new era began in Cuban Sports. Unfortunately, many Cuban Institutions (such as schools and Universities) were closed, however, sports continued to be practiced independent of the political atmosphere in Cuba. By 1962, Alberto Games was lifting a total of over 750 lbs in three lifts setting new Regional and a new National Record. The three lifts were: 1) Press 2) Snatch 3) Clean and Jerk. Mr. Games' physique resembled a bodybuilder more than a weightlifter, with 19" Arms, 50" Chest, 27" Weights and 28" Thighs. Without any doubt Mr. Games was in his time one of the strongest and more outstanding weightlifters in a country like Cuba that has, for many years, been the leader of that sport in our continent.
LIFE IN AMERICA
On January 25, 1971, Mr. Games and family arrived in Los Angeles, U.S.A. to begin a new life. He quickly began working for Todd Pacific Shipyard in San Pedro as a ship fitter building vessels such as the Sea Service Tankers (SST) for the United States Navy.
On October 21, 1974 , Mr. Games was struck by a two ton sheet metal which fell from a height of approx. 50 feet while building a Sea Service Tanker (SST) at Todd Shipyard. As a result of his athletic conditioning and strength, Mr. Games survived this horrific injury which left him totally and permanently disabled. Mr. Games sustained many life altering injuries, however, his family support and superior conditioning have kept him alive. He currently lives with his wife who is a County of Los Angeles retiree.
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