Santo Domingo 2026 Games Torch Relay Highlights Unity in the Dominican Republic

The torch honoring the values of Wiche García Saleta began its nationwide relay, traveling through all 31 provinces and the National District ahead of the Santo Domingo 2026 Games. Organisers framed the ceremony as a call for unity within the Dominican sporting sector.

William Hernández, president of the Unión Deportiva del Cibao, urged the Olympic movement and federations to embrace the torch’s message, emphasizing a new generation of athletes and the need to set aside disputes. Provincial governor Ana Xiomara Cortés described the event as historic, noting that the flame symbolizes the coming together of the 37 participating nations. The relay in San Francisco de Macorís featured former baseball star Julián Javier and other sports, arts and media figures.