Dominican Republic finalizes preparations for Central American and Caribbean Games

The Dominican Republic is in the final stages of preparation for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, set to take place in Santo Domingo from July 24 to August 8, 2026. The country is working to accommodate over 5,000 athletes, focusing on the adaptation of sports facilities and the coordination of essential services like security, transportation, and logistics.

Workers are diligently completing touch-ups and conditioning at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, the main venue for many competitions. Minister of Housing and Buildings, Víctor Bisonó, indicated that the event's cost is approximately 9 billion pesos (about $150 million). The Olympic Center houses facilities for athletics, swimming, fencing, softball, baseball, karate, and chess, all of which have been renovated for the games.

Other key venues, such as Parque del Este, have seen renovations to their archery ranges and pavilions for weightlifting, gymnastics, table tennis, and handball. Logistical coordination is also advancing, with public transportation services announced as free for attendees to facilitate movement. The newly inaugurated Centro de Villa Centroamericana y del Caribe can house over 7,200 people and is structured into five blocks named after prominent Dominican tourist destinations.

This is the third occasion the Dominican Republic has hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games, having previously hosted in 1974 and 1986. While the official opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, some competitions, such as water polo, have already commenced due to the large number of events requiring the aquatic complex.