Over 3,500 athletes will compete in more than 20 sporting events during the XIII National Games which will be inaugurated at 4:00 pm today by President Leonel Fernandez in Monte Plata. The opening ceremony will be broadcast by Channels 4, 13, and 27. Sports Minister Felipe Payano, Public Works Minister Freddy Perez and the President of the Organizing Committee, Fidel Mejia will speak during the ceremony.