Over 670 Poems Submitted To 2003 Lincoln-Martí Poetry Contest.

More than 670 poems were submitted to the first annual Lincoln-Marti Poetry Contest. The works, which come from 12 countries as well as from 11 states of the U.S., have now been given to the committee of judges that will review the submissions.

This first annual competition has gained international stature as a result of the diversity of its participants. Of the poems submitted, more than 500 are from among 11 states in North America, the balance of the entries come from Spain (24 contestants), Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, France, Chile, Germany, Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Peru.

The judging, which includes several safeguards to preserve the anonymity of the contestants, is being conducted by noted cultural figures Dr. Dominica Alcantara, Dr. Rolando Espinosa, Rev. Martin Añorga and Dr. Orlando Gomez Gil. The judges expect to conclude their difficult task during the second week of May, when they will meet to select the winners.

The winning entries will be announced on May 20, 2003, a date that coincides with the 101st anniversary of the independence of Cuba. This date will also mark the announcement of the second annual Lincoln-Marti International Poetry Contest for which entries may be submitted until the deadline of December 7, 2003.

For more information at http://www.lincoln-marti.com