On August 8, the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, which began on July 24, officially came to a close in Santo Domingo. The largest Games in history brought together around 6,200 athletes from 37 countries, competing in 40 sports and 53 disciplines. For the Dominican Republic, this was the third time hosting the Games, following Santo Domingo in 1974 and Santiago in 1986.
According to José P. Monegro, President of the Organizing Committee of the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, “while military and geopolitical conflicts continue in some parts of the world, in the Dominican Republic, Central America and the Caribbean we are holding sporting competitions that strengthen bonds of friendship and brotherhood for the sake of peaceful coexistence.”
The state invested approximately 9 billion Dominican pesos (more than USD 150 million) in the construction and modernization of sports infrastructure. The reconstruction of the track at Félix Sánchez Stadium alone cost 65.7 million pesos (USD 1.18 million) and is identical to the track used for athletics competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The warm-up tracks cost an additional 34 million pesos (USD 570,000).
The National Volleyball Palace and facilities at the Olympic Center were modernized, while new venues for skateboarding, roller sports and beach volleyball were created along the Malecón sports area. These investments, of course, have long-term significance: the renovated facilities will remain in the country and contribute to the development of future generations of athletes for decades to come.
Hosting the 25th Games also provided a significant economic boost to the country. This was not limited to the funds invested in the construction and modernization of sports infrastructure. During the competition, hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, taxis, service providers and numerous small businesses that helped accommodate thousands of athletes, delegations and fans experienced increased demand and, consequently, additional revenues. Thus, the major sporting event became a stimulus for the entire urban economy and created a powerful impact extending far beyond the sports arenas.
It is also important to note the particularly significant progress of women’s sports in the country. In March this year, the Dominican Republic hosted the 5th National Women’s Games (V Juegos Deportivos de la Mujer), bringing together 680 female athletes from different regions of the country across 13 sports. This approach demonstrates that the development of women’s sports here is systematic, ranging from the creation of a broad sports infrastructure to the training of athletes capable of competing at the international level.
At the 25th Games, Dominican women athletes once again achieved outstanding results. Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino won gold in the 400 meters with a time of 48.94 seconds, setting a Games record. Gold was also won by the Dominican mixed 4×100-meter relay team, featuring Fiordaliza Cofil, Liranyi Alonso and other athletes. In weightlifting, Yudelina Mejía won gold in the clean and jerk and silver in the snatch, while judoka Estefanía Soriano won a bronze medal in the under-63 kg category.
A special place in the country’s sporting history belongs to the “Queens of the Caribbean” (Las Reinas del Caribe) — the Dominican Republic’s women’s national volleyball team. In the Games final, the team convincingly defeated Colombia 3–0 to claim its seventh consecutive Central American and Caribbean Games gold medal. The names of Brenda Castillo, Niverka Marte, Brayelin Martínez, Jineiry Martínez and their teammates have long become part of the Dominican Republic’s sporting brand. When viewed through the lens of women’s participation, it becomes clear that women today are one of the main driving forces behind Dominican sports.
For the Dominican Republic, these Games were not only a major sporting event but also an important demonstration of the country’s organizational capabilities and development potential. The country demonstrated its ability to host regional-scale competitions, invest in modern infrastructure and create conditions for a new generation of athletes.
Santo Domingo 2026 leaves behind not only medals and records. What also remains are modernized sports facilities, new experience and, most importantly, the example of women who demonstrate strength, discipline and leadership on the international stage.
Author: Stella Kurgaeva; this article was prepared with the support of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, specifically for Business Women. Representative of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Dominican Republic.