Félix Sánchez Lights the Cauldron as Santo Domingo Opens the Central American and Caribbean Games

Two-time Olympic champion Félix Sánchez lit the ceremonial cauldron to officially open the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, in a ceremony rich in symbolism that ushered in the second century of the oldest regional multi-sport event in the Americas.

The defining moment came after President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader officially declared the Games open, saying: “I hereby declare the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 officially open. May God bless you all.”

With the cauldron lit by one of the greatest figures in Dominican and world athletics, the Dominican Republic welcomed a historic edition bringing together more than 6,200 athletes and officials from 37 delegations, all of which marched during the Opening Ceremony at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium.

Following the traditional protocol of the regional sports movement, the Dominican Republic entered the stadium last as the host nation, bringing the Parade of Nations to a close in a symbolic display of unity among the countries of Central America and the Caribbean as they celebrate the centenary of the Games.

The ceremony blended music, dance and cultural expressions representative of Dominican identity, featuring renowned national artists and a large cast of dancers who paid tribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The President of the Organizing Committee, José P. Monegro, opened the protocol segment with a message highlighting the power of sport to unite peoples and build a shared future.

“We are here not to conquer territories, but to conquer dreams.”

During his remarks, he emphasized that the Games represent a space for peace, integration and hope, while expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people following the recent earthquake and paying tribute to the athletes who lost their lives in that tragedy.

Later, Centro Caribe Sports President Luis Mejía Oviedo delivered a speech deeply rooted in the historical significance of the centenary.

“There are nights that belong to the calendar, and there are nights that belong to history.”

With those words, he reflected on the one-hundred-year journey of the Central American and Caribbean Games, recalling that the movement was born in Mexico in 1926 and that the flame lit in Teotihuacán symbolizes a tradition that has united the peoples of the region for a century.

Mejía stated that Santo Domingo 2026 marks the beginning of the second century of the Games, describing that legacy as a shared responsibility and noting that the Dominican Republic once again serves as its guardian by hosting the regional event for the third time.

He also recalled the lasting impact of Santo Domingo 1974, Santiago 1986, and the 2003 Pan American Games on the development of Dominican sport, while paying tribute to those who made those milestones possible.

The Centro Caribe Sports President expressed special gratitude to President Luis Abinader for supporting the organization of Santo Domingo 2026 amid the global challenges following the pandemic and ongoing international conflicts. 

He also thanked the Organizing Committee led by José P. Monegro, the Dominican Olympic Committee, public institutions, the Armed Forces, the sports media, volunteers and everyone who contributed to making the Games a reality. Above all, however, he stressed that the true protagonists are the athletes and those who accompany them throughout their preparation.

“The true reason and inspiration are the athletes.”

He also offered special recognition to the coaches and once again honored the Venezuelan athletes who lost their lives in the earthquake, inviting the audience to observe a round of applause in their memory.

In the closing moments of his address, Mejía summarized the spirit of Santo Domingo 2026 by calling on all Dominicans to make hospitality the country’s greatest achievement during the Games.

“Let us compete for the gold medal of hospitality. Let us compete for the gold medal of respect, solidarity, organization and joy.”

With the centenary flame now burning, Santo Domingo opens the door to 16 days of competition, during which talent, passion and the spirit of unity across Central America and the Caribbean will write a new chapter in the history of the oldest regional multi-sport event in the Americas. The 2026 Gameswill conclude on August 8, when the cauldron will be extinguished, bringing this historic celebration to a close while passing the torch to the next chapter of its centennial legacy.