The Dominican Republic participated in the VII Domino World Championship taking place 10-14 May in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Dominican delegation was lead by Jose Dario Arias, president of the Dominican Federation of Domino. The Spain delegation took home both gold prizes – in the pair’s and in the singles categories. Unfortunately, the Dominican pair got three “unfair play” warnings and was disqualified.
Nationwide, there are 26 associations. Arias has been incidental in helping the sport organize itself. Until then, domino was played as recreation in barrios and towns. Therea re associations in Barahona, Higuey, San Cristobal, Santo Domingo, Monte Playa, Dajabon, and soon to be incorporated ones in San Pedro de Macoris, Hato Mayor, El Seibo, La Romana, Bonao, San Francisco de Macoris, Puerto Plata, Samana, Santiago Rodriguez, Nagua, Mao and Montecristi. But it is in the barrios of Santo Domingo, where domino is king.
In the nationals to choose the delegation to Russia, 400 experts participated. Arias explained that more than 3 million Dominicans play Domino, making it the most popular national pastime. “Domino is played in the DR everyday, in any place, even under a mango tree,” Jose Dario Arias. The Ministry of Sports is supporting the organizational effort at a national level.