Dominican Republic names Marileidy Paulino and Cristian Pinales as flag bearers for 2026 CAC Games

The Dominican Olympic Committee appointed sprinter Marileidy Paulino and boxer Cristian Pinales as the flag bearers for the national delegation at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, to be held in Santo Domingo from 24 July to 8 August 2026. Their selection honors Paulino’s Olympic gold and multiple regional titles and Pinales’s bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The Games will feature more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries, making it one of the largest regional multisport events hosted by the Dominican Republic.

Local officials have urged that the competitions be shown on giant screens in parks, plazas and other public spaces across the country, creating “fan zones” so that communities nationwide can share the experience.

Ahead of the event, the Dominican Basketball Federation will use the newly renovated Arena Banreservas for a FIBA World‑Cup qualifying window in July, with matches against the United States and Nicaragua, underscoring the venue’s role in the upcoming Games.