In a key step ahead of the upcoming 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, Dominican Republic’s Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz has officially handed over the final $150 million Dominican peso installment to the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), wrapping up total government funding for the nation’s athlete preparation and delegation organization.
This closing disbursement brings the total public-sector support for the event to RD$893 million, a comprehensive package that covers every critical element of readying the Dominican delegation, from pre-competition training to on-the-ground organizational logistics. During a formal ceremony marking the transfer, COD President Garibaldy Bautista extended his gratitude to the Dominican government for releasing the allocated funds on schedule. He highlighted that the committee would prioritize full transparency and efficiency in resource allocation, ensuring every Dominican athlete gains access to high-quality training facilities, professional coaching staff, and all the supporting resources required to perform at their best.
Minister Cruz confirmed that the final installment has already been fully processed and deposited into the COD’s dedicated bank account, removing any financial barriers that could distract athletes from their preparation work. The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games are scheduled to run from July 24 to August 8, 2026, in the nation’s capital of Santo Domingo, with roughly 850 domestic athletes expected to compete across multiple disciplines. Beyond the one-time event funding, the Ministry of Sports has implemented additional supporting measures for national competitors: since January 2025, the ministry has doubled monthly stipends for all national team members, a move designed to reduce financial stress and help athletes focus exclusively on refining their skills ahead of the regional games.