Vice President Raquel Peña expressed strong confidence when she said on Friday, 26 September 2025 that the Dominican Republic will “shine” when it hosts the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026. As the country prepares for the regional sports event, the Vice President spoke of the unprecedented government investment of over RD$5 billion for sports infrastructure upgrades, most centered in Santo Domingo.
In a detailed address, Peña spoke of the massive funding package is dedicated to the ongoing renovations of all facilities within the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, where the 12th Central American and Caribbean Games were held in 1974 and at the Parque del Este complex where the Pan American Games were held in 2003.
The Vice President underscored that President Luis Abinader has championed the event, aiming for the country to be “with pride the Regional Sports Capital.” The Games are scheduled to take place from 24 July to 8 August 2026.
The event is expected to leave the capital city with first rate sports facilities that then are expected to be used as the country is big on sports tourism. Sports people come with their families to stay on and enjoy the tourist attractions of the country.
Peña outlined several major projects included in the investment:
• Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium: A substantial RD$950 million is being invested in the stadium’s remodelation.
• Virgilio Travieso Soto Sports Palace: This venue is also being fully upgraded, designed to meet standards capable of hosting future NBA exhibition games.
• Centro Olímpico renovations: Extensive work is underway on the facilities for volleyball and swimming, alongside the construction of a new Taekwondo Pavilion.
• Parque del Este revamp: Remodeling is progressing for the venues hosting weightlifting, gymnastics, handball, and table tennis that were built for the 2003 Pan American Games.
Peña insisted that the nation would once again successfully execute the organization and celebration of the upcoming regional games. “We are working very hard,” she added.
Peña also confirmed the government will be expanding support for the sports sector, prioritizing high-performance athletes and the nation’s youth.
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Hoy
29 September 2025