Dominican Republic opens Central American and Caribbean Games; Mexico competes for medals

Santo Domingo burst into color and Caribbean music Friday as the Dominican Republic officially opened the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games. The regional multi-sport event, the oldest of its kind in the world, brings together some 6,200 athletes from 37 nations and territories and marks the centennial of the games.

This is the third time the Dominican capital has hosted the event, having previously done so in 1974 and 1986. The games, which originated in Mexico in 1926, will run until August 8. Luis Mejía Oviedo, president of the organizing body Centro Caribe Sports, highlighted the century of shared dreams, efforts, and friendship that the games represent. He noted the symbolic flame, originating from the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, which has united participants for a hundred years.

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We are convened by a century of dreams, shared efforts, and friendship among peoples. 100 years ago, this wonderful adventure began as a partnership with a message of peace.

Dominican President Luis Abinader formally declared the games open at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. The government has invested approximately $154.2 million to stage the event, which includes the renovation of 16 sports facilities. This edition sets a record with a program featuring 40 sports, including chess, figure skating, and the debut of netball and e-sports.

Mexico is vying to retain its top position in the medal standings after securing 353 medals, including 145 golds, at the previous games in San Salvador in 2023. Their flag bearers were Olympic diving medalist Juan Celaya and shooter Gabriela Rodríguez. Colombia is expected to be Mexico's main rival, leveraging strengths in cycling, speed skating, weightlifting, and athletics, having won 244 medals (87 gold) in 2023. Cuba, once a dominant force, finished third in the last games.

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Today the second century begins, and it begins in this land, the land that hosts for the third time, we are custodians of this legacy.