Santo Domingo tests multi-million dollar investment to host JCC for third time

The Dominican Republic is set to host the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (JCC) starting Friday, following a significant investment exceeding 9 billion pesos, approximately $154.2 million. The funds have been primarily allocated to the construction and refurbishment of numerous sports facilities, as well as the preparation of the national athletes who will represent the country.

Known as the 'Centennial Games,' this edition marks the third time the region's oldest multi-sport event will be held in the Dominican Republic. The country previously hosted in Santo Domingo in 1974 and in Santiago de los Caballeros in 1986. The games, running until August 8, will bring together 6,200 competitors across 40 sports and 53 disciplines.

Government officials and the organizing committee have emphasized the event's potential to leave a lasting legacy for sports development in the nation. Specific investments include 65.7 million pesos (about $1.18 million) for the reconstruction of the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium's athletics track and an additional 34 million pesos (about $570,000) for the adjacent warm-up track.

The host nation has assembled a large delegation of 720 athletes and 400 officials, as host countries are required to participate in all sports. President Luis Abinader expressed confidence that the country has fulfilled its commitment to deliver modern, top-tier sports venues, anticipating "one of the best organized games" with "infrastructure in the best condition."

Abinader requested the hosting rights in 2021 after lobbying from Dominican Olympic leaders, as no other country submitted a bid. Previous hosts, Panama and Puerto Rico, had declined due to economic reasons, with El Salvador stepping in to host the 2023 edition. The president of the organizing committee, José Patricio Monegro, believes these games will be "remembered forever."