Juan Pablo Duarte Games 2026 inaugurated in New York

Juan Pablo Duarte Games 2026 Dominican diaspora New York sports Kelvin Cruz multisport event

The Juan Pablo Duarte Games 2026 have officially commenced in New York, featuring more than 2,000 athletes competing across 22 sporting disciplines. The opening ceremony, held at the George Washington School in Manhattan, was led by Dominican Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz, alongside Consul General Jesús “Chú” Vásquez and other sports officials.

The event brings together participants from various regions, including New York, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Boston, New Jersey, and Connecticut, with specific representation from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Minister Cruz emphasized that the games serve to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and its diaspora.

The competition is dedicated to former sprinter Felicia Candelario and Dr. José Joaquín Puello Herrera. In addition to athletic competitions, the program includes various cultural and artistic manifestations supported by the Dominican Sports Union of New York.