The countdown to the 25th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled to open in Santo Domingo in 2026, has passed a major milestone as the event’s iconic “Flame of Values” torch was officially received by Dominican Republic’s Education Minister Luis Miguel De Camps. In a ceremony marked by widespread participation from education stakeholders, De Camps framed the torch as far more than a ceremonial precursor to the regional sporting competition, positioning it as a living symbol of the core principles that anchor the Dominican national education system.
The reception event, held at the Education Ministry, brought together a cross-section of the country’s education community, including Alberto Rodríguez, director of the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI), senior education ministry officials, local teachers, and hundreds of secondary and university student representatives. During his remarks at the gathering, De Camps emphasized that the flame embodies a suite of foundational values that both sports and education seek to instill: discipline, mutual respect, personal integrity, relentless perseverance, collaborative teamwork, and unwavering fair play.
Student leaders who took part in the ceremony echoed this sentiment, welcoming the flame to the education sector and highlighting its broader meaning as a unifying force that connects nations across the Central American and Caribbean region. They noted that the flame also represents a shared commitment to athletic excellence and responsible citizenship, reinforcing the well-documented role that organized sports play in fostering holistic character development for young people.
The journey of the “Flame of Values” began months ago far from the Dominican Republic: the torch was first lit on April 11 at the historic archaeological site of Teotihuacan, Mexico, a location steeped in regional cultural history that nods to the shared heritage of participating nations. After traveling to the Dominican Republic, the national torch relay was officially launched on May 6 by Dominican President Luis Abinader, under the official name “Wiche García Saleta Route: The Flame of Values”.
The multi-month relay, which travels across the Dominican Republic accompanied by Colí, the official mascot of the 2026 Games, is set to conclude on July 24, 2026. On that day, the final torchbearer will light the Games’ cauldron during the official opening ceremony in Santo Domingo, marking the official start of 11 days of competition that will bring together more than 6,000 elite athletes from 37 countries and territories across the region.