Havana - Former Cuban basketball player Ruperto Herrera will receive the Olympic Order, highest distinction granted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to the ''Jit'' website.

According to the Jit digital site, 'Herrera will become next June the eleventh Cuban carrier' of said Order.

Days ago, says Jit, sport authorities received here the letter of Tomas Bach, head of the international entity, confirming the agreement of the executive committee to award the legendary player and coach of Cuban basketball teams.

Herrera will receive the distinction next June, during the 134th General Assembly of the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland.

During his active career, Herrera became a legend when he won the bronze medal against the prognosis and reaching leading roles at the Munich-1972 Olympic Games. He also participated in the appointments under the five rings of Mexico-1968, Montreal-1976 and Moscow-1980.

The other 10 Cuban athletes who hold that privilege are José Ramón Fernández, Roberto León Richards, Félix Savón, Teófilo Stevenson, Alberto Juantorena, Pedro Pérez Dueñas, Rodrigo Álvarez Cambra, Raúl Mazorra, Manuel González Guerra and Reynaldo González (post mortem).