Dominican Republic readies for Central American Games after $154 million investment

The Dominican Republic is ready to inaugurate the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (JCC) this Friday, having invested more than 9 billion pesos (about $154.2 million) in preparation. The government and the Organizing Committee announced that these resources were largely allocated to building and upgrading numerous facilities, as well as supporting the athletes who will represent the nation.

Known as the Centenary Games, this historic regional sporting event, which began in Mexico in 1926, will run until August 8. It will bring together 6,200 competitors competing in 40 sports and 53 disciplines. This is the third time the Dominican Republic has hosted the oldest regional multi-sport event in the world, having previously hosted in Santo Domingo in 1974 and in Santiago de los Caballeros in 1986.

The host nation has assembled a delegation of 720 athletes and 400 officials. As per tradition, the host country must participate in all sports. Dominican President Luis Abinader stated that the country has fulfilled its commitment to deliver modern, well-maintained sports venues. He expressed confidence that the games will be of the highest caliber in terms of organization and infrastructure, potentially ranking among the best-ever editions.

Abinader also highlighted plans for volunteer programs to assist the Ministry of Sports in maintaining the facilities post-event. He had formally requested the hosting rights from Centro Caribe Sports in 2021, following lobbying efforts by Dominican Olympic officials. Notably, no other country submitted a bid at that time, as Panama and Puerto Rico had declined to host due to economic reasons. El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele had previously stepped in to host the 2023 edition.

José Patricio Monegro, president of the Organizing Committee, anticipates that these games will be "remembered forever." Addressing delegates from Centro Caribe Sports, led by Dominican Luis Mejía Oviedo, Monegro remarked on the contrast between ongoing global conflicts and the peace prevailing in the Dominican Republic, Central America, and the Caribbean during the event.