Central American and Caribbean Games Close with Joyful Ceremony in Santo Domingo

The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games drew to a close on Saturday in Santo Domingo with a vibrant and emotional ceremony that underscored the harmony, camaraderie, and spirit of sportsmanship among the region's nations. Athletes, sports figures, and officials gathered at the Arena Banreservas Virgilio Travieso Soto, filling the venue with energy as lights, theatrical smoke, and highlight videos enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.

The event featured performances by Dominican artists, including Juan Luis Guerra, who performed 'Canto a la patria,' a song that has become a de facto national anthem. The infectious rhythm of 'Mi corazón está de fiesta,' the official Games song, had the audience on their feet, including Dominican President Luis Abinader, Vice President Raquel Peña, and First Lady Raquel Arbaje.

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During these two weeks, we have not only celebrated the Games, we have celebrated the talent, the discipline, and the friendship among our peoples and to once again understand the capacity that sport has, to remind us that we can compete with all our might and, at the end, be able to shake hands.

In his closing remarks, President Abinader highlighted that the Games were not just a celebration of sport but also of talent, discipline, and friendship. He emphasized the power of sport to foster competition while enabling participants to shake hands and show respect at the end. He particularly lauded the Dominican athletes for setting a national record with 150 medals, including 46 gold, which placed them fifth in the overall medal count.

Abinader noted that the athletes' formidable performance inspired thousands of Dominican children to aspire to similar achievements. The ceremony also included special recognitions for volunteers, athletes, and the organizing committee president, José Monegro, who was visibly moved upon receiving an award. Luis Mejía Oviedo, president of Centro Caribe Sports, also presented gold medals, including one to Colombian weightlifter Jeison López for breaking a world record.

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But the most important thing is that the formidable performance of our athletes has caused thousands of Dominican children to return to their homes saying: someday I can be like them.