Dominican President Abinader meets FIBA officials to boost Santo Domingo 2026 Games

President Luis Abinader received senior officials of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) at the Palacio Nacional in Santo Domingo. The delegation, led by FIBA secretary‑general Andreas Zagklis and executive director Carlos Alves, was joined by Dominican sports minister Kelvin Cruz, the head of the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games organising committee José P. Monegro, Centro Caribe Sports president Luisín Mejía (also an IOC member), and the presidents of the Dominican Basketball Federation, Rafael Uribe and Junior Páez. Zagklis presented Abinader with a basketball as a symbolic gift.

The meeting focused on advancing preparations for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, slated for 24 July to 8 August 2026 in Santo Domingo and surrounding provinces. The event will host more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries, featuring 483 competitions in 40 sports. Officials discussed meeting international standards, infrastructure readiness and the role of basketball in the Games, as the Dominican national team prepares for upcoming matches against the United States and Nicaragua.