Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games ramp up with new venues and regional delegations

The Dominican Republic is finalising preparations for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled for 24 July‑8 August 2026 in Santo Domingo. The government has invested roughly RD 9‑billion (about US 150 million) to refurbish 16 sports venues, including the volleyball, taekwondo and athletics facilities at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and the Parque del Este complex. President Luis Abinader inaugurated the new volleyball and taekwondo pavilions and handed the national flag to the Dominican delegation, while ministers highlighted incentives of RD 70 million for medal‑winning athletes.

Logistics are being coordinated, with free public transport planned for spectators and extensive security and transport arrangements for the expected 5,000‑plus athletes. Regional delegations are also being readied: Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum led the flag‑bearing ceremony for a 698‑person team, while Nicaragua’s sports institute presented its 204‑member squad. The Mexican government announced a financial incentive of up to 100,000 pesos for gold‑medal athletes from Puebla, and Cuba’s athletics team aims to win 11‑12 gold medals with a strong jumping contingent. The combined effort underscores the Games’ significance as a major multi‑sport event for the Caribbean and Central‑American region.