Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games attract regional athletes

The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games will be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic from 24 July to 8 August 2026. More than 6,000 athletes from 37 nations and territories are expected to compete in 57 sports, making it the largest edition of the regional multi‑sport event.

Dominican authorities have announced a prize‑money scheme for medalists. Individual gold medalists will receive RD$300,000 (≈ US$5,100), silver RD$150,000 and bronze RD$100,000. Team gold medals carry a reward of RD$3.2 million, with lower amounts for silver and bronze. Coaches and federations also receive bonuses.

Several delegations have confirmed their squads: Panama will send 217 athletes in 27 disciplines, Honduras 140 athletes across 27 sports, and Venezuela a 19‑shooter team for shotgun, rifle and pistol events. Cuban long‑jump prodigy Jorge Hodelín is highlighted as a strong podium contender. In baseball, the Dominican Olympic Committee rejected the inclusion of Wander Franco because he was not listed on the required preliminary roster, despite his physical readiness.

The Games’ symbolic torch, the “Llama de los Valores”, was received by Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps and will travel across the country before being lit at the opening ceremony. The event is positioned as a showcase of regional sport and a stepping‑stone toward the 2028 Los Ángeles Olympic cycle.