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Santo Domingo 2026 Games Conclude With Tribute to Athletes
The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 concluded Saturday with a closing ceremony that honored the athletes, coaches, delegates, volunteers and organizers behind the regional sporting event.
The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 came to a close Saturday with a ceremony celebrating the athletes and the thousands of people who contributed to the organization of the regional competition.
President Luis Abinader formally declared the Games closed and used his message to recognize the commitment of athletes, volunteers and other members of the organizing effort. The president also delivered a special message to Dominican athletes, praising their dedication in representing the country.
The Games, which opened on July 24, brought together more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries and territories across Central America and the Caribbean. The 2026 edition also marked the centennial of the regional competition.
A Celebration of the People Behind the Games
A video presented during the closing ceremony highlighted the work of the volunteers, whose contributions supported the competition throughout its development. Their role was recognized alongside that of coaches, delegates, technical personnel and other members of the organizing team.
Luis Mejía Oviedo, president of Centro Caribe Sports, also praised the Dominican Republic for hosting the Games and recognized the work of the organizing committee, the government, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, the Dominican Olympic Committee and other institutions involved in the event.
Mejía described the conclusion as a moment of pride for the country and said the effort involved in staging the Games had been worthwhile. He also expressed gratitude to the Dominican Republic and characterized the event as the beginning of a new chapter for the regional sporting movement.
Music Brings the Closing Ceremony to Life
The ceremony combined the sporting celebration with a strong display of Dominican culture. Juan Luis Guerra performed “Canto a la Patria” alongside the “Más que vencedores” choir, prompting the audience to join in during the performance.
Artists Techy Fatule and Manny Cruz also took the stage at Arena Banreservas, the venue named in honor of Dominican basketball figure Virgilio Travieso Soto. Their performance of the “Dominicano” mix added a musical finale to the closing celebration.
The cultural component reflected one of the central features of the Santo Domingo Games, which combined a major regional sporting competition with efforts to showcase Dominican identity and hospitality to athletes and delegations from across the Caribbean and Central America.
A Century of Regional Competition
The Santo Domingo edition represented a milestone for the Central American and Caribbean Games, the oldest regional multi-sport competition of its kind. The 2026 event brought athletes together for competitions across dozens of sports during three weeks of activity in the Dominican Republic.
With the closing ceremony, the country formally brought its role as host to an end after months of preparation and infrastructure work. The event also leaves a sporting and organizational legacy for the Dominican Republic as it continues to strengthen its position as a host of major international competitions.
