Santo Domingo 2026 Strengthens Its Commitment to Fair Play Following Agreement with WADA

The road to the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 took a fundamental step forward in sports integrity with the signing of a cooperation agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), aimed at guaranteeing transparent processes aligned with the highest international standards.

The event was led by authorities from the Organizing Committee and the Pan American Regional Organization of WADA, and included the presence of Luis Mejía Oviedo, President of Centro Caribe Sports, who attended as a guest of honor, reaffirming the regional body’s support for all actions designed to protect fair play and the credibility of the oldest multi-sport event on the continent.

“There are actions that can ruin an event. An event is ruined when doping is allowed, which is why protecting the Games from doping has become a fundamental standard. It is very satisfying for Centro Caribe Sports that the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee has not only understood this, but has also given its full support to building a structure that guarantees fair play,” said Mejía.

During the ceremony, held at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium, Mejía Oviedo underlined the importance of this type of partnership for the regional sports movement, recalling that the absence of fair play compromises not only results, but the very essence of sport. In this regard, he described the agreement as a guarantee for athletes, officials, and federations that Santo Domingo 2026 will be held under principles of ethics, transparency, and equity.

The agreement was signed by José P. Monegro, President of the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee, and Dr. Saúl Saucedo, President of the Pan American Regional Organization of WADA. Also in attendance were prominent figures from the anti-doping community in the region, including Rodny Montes de Oca, Director of the Havana Anti-Doping Laboratory (Cuba); Manuel Villalobos, Executive Director of the Pan American Regional Organization of WADA; and Laura Anabel Pinedo, President of the Dominican Republic Anti-Doping Agency.

During the meeting, it was announced that sample analyses will be carried out in accredited laboratories, further strengthening the technical and scientific support of the anti-doping controls that will be implemented during the Games.

With this agreement, Santo Domingo 2026 reinforces its commitment to providing a fair and safe competitive environment aligned with international best practices, with the vision of promoting events that honor integrity, respect, and sporting excellence.