More than 6,000 athletes will compete as the regional event marks its centennial.

From July 24 to Aug. 8, Dominican Republic will host the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC Games), an event that will feature more than 6,000 athletes from 37 countries competing in 40 sports.

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This year, the Central American and Caribbean Games celebrate their 100th anniversary, as the inaugural edition was held in Mexico City in 1926 with the participation of Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico.

For most athletes, the current competition marks the beginning of a journey that could lead to the Olympic dream, as the 2026 CAC Games are the first major continental competition and the official development stage for athletes whose ultimate goal is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The next stop on that path to glory will be the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, as athletes who excel in Dominican Republic are expected to compete in the Peruvian capital.

This year, the favorites to win the most medals are Mexico, which has already claimed the overall title in 13 previous editions, and Cuba, which dominated 11 previous Games. Colombia and Venezuela have emerged as rising powers in recent years.

Three sports will make their debut at the 2026 CAC Games: e-sports, skateboarding, and netball, all of which are expected to attract younger and more diverse audiences. The competitions in the 40 sports will be held in Santo Domingo, with additional venues in the country’s Northern and Eastern regions.

The mascot of the Dominican Republic Games will be “Coli,” inspired by the barrancoli, a small and fast bird endemic to the island. The organizing committee designed the mascot as an ambassador for Caribbean biodiversity to convey a clear message of sustainability and environmental conservation.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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