First volunteers trained for Santo Domingo 2026 Games

Santo Domingo – The Organizing Committee of the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, through its Volunteer Department, has formally launched the volunteer training process, consolidating one of the fundamental pillars for the success of the regional event.

The department, led by Elizabeth Mena, successfully held the first training courses for the volunteers who will make up this essential support team for the organization.

The Organizing Committee, chaired by José P. Monegro, positively valued the holding of this training session, which took place in two sessions — Monday and Wednesday — at the auditorium of the General Directorate of Customs. The venue welcomed dozens of young people committed to the historic sporting event.

“The truth is that Dominicans are supportive people. Dominicans are demonstrating that we still have that vocation of service and the desire to make the Dominican Republic the best host,” Mena said.

A group of 400 volunteers, distributed over the two days, participated in the training. During the sessions it was also highlighted that more than 5,000 people have already registered.

“We are now beginning the volunteer training process,” Mena said. “We are currently in a dual phase: we continue recruiting volunteers — as of today we have around 5,500 already registered — but we are also launching the first stage of training with the general orientation sessions.”

Facilitators Marilín Robles Tineo and Génesis Guzmán, from Meeting Professionals International – Dominican Republic, led the different training areas aimed at preparing participants comprehensively.

“The idea of the training is to get to know the Games and understand what is expected from the volunteers,” Mena added.

She also explained that a general review of the registered profiles is underway, along with a selection process to begin assigning roles. “In other words, we are currently in a hybrid phase.”

Mena noted that each training session reinforces the importance of volunteers as both the operational and human engine of the Games. In that regard, she emphasized the significance of the role they will play.

“I always say — and others have said it as well — that the Games cannot take place without volunteers,” she said, “just as they cannot take place without infrastructure or athletes.

“As athletes say: athletes win medals and volunteers win Games. In that sense, we hope to win the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026. The house is full — there are no seats left.”

The work plan includes continuing the training throughout the month of March. Due to the high number of applicants, larger venues are being considered to ensure the participation of all.

Addressing the young people who have chosen to take part in this historic experience, Mena shared a message of motivation and national pride.

“Enjoy it,” Mena said. “Raise the Dominican Republic’s flag high, show the principles and values of Dominicans, and be part of history.”

She recalled that 40 years ago the Santiago 1986 Games were held and that the country also hosted the Pan American Games in 2003, encouraging volunteers to provide the best possible service to all participants.

“And when we are old someday, we will have those stories to tell our grandchildren and say: ‘I was part of that.’”