Santo Domingo, D.R., July 20, 2026.– Just days before the start of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, President Luis Abinader led the official handover ceremony this Monday of all the sports pavilions renovated by the Ministry of Housing and Buildings (MIVED), marking one of the most important milestones in the preparation for the region’s largest multi-sport event.
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The day began with an extensive supervision tour of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, where the president personally inspected the main facilities that will serve as the stage for the competitions. Accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Buildings, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó; the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz; the president of Centro Caribe Sports, Luis Mejía Oviedo; the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Garibaldy Bautista; and the president of the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee, José Monegro, the head of state verified the level of completion of the works before heading to the remodeled Ricardo-Gioriver-Arias Volleyball Palace, where the protocol ceremony took place.
During the tour, the president received technical explanations regarding the interventions carried out by MIVED and verified the conditions of the different pavilions, highlighting the quality of the renovations and compliance with the established schedule to ensure that the Dominican Republic arrives in optimal conditions for the start of the sporting event. The delivery culminates months of rehabilitation and modernization work on the country’s main sports facilities, developed under the coordination of MIVED as part of the commitment made by the Government to provide the country with infrastructure that meets international standards.
In his speech, President Luis Abinader stated that the completion of the works represents the fulfillment of a commitment to national sports and the entire region.
“Today we are not only delivering sports pavilions; we are delivering trust, keeping our word, and demonstrating that when Dominicans work together, we are capable of organizing world-class events. These facilities will be the stage where our athletes will compete for glory, but they also constitute a legacy for future generations.”
The president highlighted that each of the investments made will remain at the service of Dominican sports once the Games conclude, strengthening the training of thousands of athletes and consolidating the country as a host for major international events.
For his part, the Minister of Housing and Buildings, Víctor “Ito” Bisonó, highlighted that the simultaneous delivery of all the pavilions represents the result of an intense process of planning, supervision, and execution.
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“Months ago, we made a commitment to deliver every facility on time and with the quality that an event of this magnitude demands. Today, we can say with satisfaction that this commitment has been fulfilled. These works reflect President Luis Abinader’s vision of investing in infrastructure that transforms lives and strengthens national sports.”
Bisonó recalled that the renovations incorporate modern lighting, climate control, accessibility, technology, and security systems, as well as adequate spaces for athletes, officials, press, and spectators, elevating the sports venues to international standards.
The Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, valued the joint effort made between the institutions involved.
“Today, Dominican sports win. These facilities will allow our athletes to compete in world-class venues and, once the Games conclude, they will continue to be the home of high performance and formative sports. The country can feel proud of the work accomplished.”
Meanwhile, the president of Centro Caribe Sports, Luis Mejía Oviedo, assured that the delivered infrastructure confirms that Santo Domingo is prepared to receive delegations from across the region.
“The organization has fulfilled the commitments made. These facilities reflect the high level of preparation of the Dominican Republic and guarantee that we will experience memorable Games for all participating countries.”
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Meanwhile, the president of the Dominican Olympic Committee, Garibaldy Bautista, stated that the new facilities represent a historic boost for the development of national sports.
“Our athletes will find here worthy venues to compete and train. This will be one of the most important legacies that these Games will leave for future generations.”
The president of the Organizing Committee, José Monegro, highlighted that the delivery of all the pavilions completes one of the fundamental components of the organizational schedule.
“Today we close a transcendental stage. Now the countdown begins to welcome thousands of athletes and visitors to Games that will project the best image of the Dominican Republic to the continent.”
Upon concluding the protocol ceremony, the remodeled Volleyball Palace was the stage for an exhibition match between the women’s national teams of the Dominican Republic and Cuba, offering the public a sample of the high competitive level that will characterize the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.
With the official handover of all sports facilities, the Dominican government has readied the main infrastructure for the celebration of the regional event, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening sports, promoting the country as a destination for major international competitions, and building a legacy that will benefit athletes, sports federations, and future generations of Dominicans for decades to come.
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