On April 18, 2026, the Asociación de Cronistas Deportivos de Nueva York (ACDNY) ushered in a transformative new chapter for its work with a formal swearing-in ceremony held in Upper Manhattan, New York. The gathering, hosted at the neighborhood’s Liquid Bar & Restaurant, drew dozens of members of the Dominican-American sports media community for an evening centered on institutional renewal, peer recognition, and reaffirmation of professional dedication.
Leading the official ceremony was Gabriel Barcácel, the association’s newly sworn-in president. In his remarks, Barcácel outlined the core mission of ACDNY’s incoming leadership: to elevate and strengthen professional standards for sports journalism, while fostering deeper unity among Dominican reporters working across New York and the wider Dominican diaspora in the United States.
A key highlight of the event was the formal induction of Junior Benjamín Carmona Soto as the association’s newest member. The induction underscored the organization’s steady growth and its intentional focus on nurturing and supporting the next generation of Dominican sports media professionals building their careers in the U.S.
Beyond welcoming new leadership and talent, the ceremony paid tribute to the trailblazers who built Dominican sports journalism over decades. Veteran sports reporters César Rivera and Rafael Herrera were honored with formal awards recognizing their decades-long contributions to the field. The event also included a moving posthumous tribute to Armando Talavera, a revered veteran of sports broadcasting, with Talavera’s family in attendance to honor his enduring legacy in the industry.
Organizers used the occasion to reaffirm ACDNY’s deep historical roots and connection to the global community of Dominican sports journalists. The association maintains longstanding ties to the Asociación de Cronistas Deportivos de Santo Domingo, the pioneering Dominican organization founded in 1929. Both groups share a core commitment to upholding ethical journalism practices and advancing the professional development of their members. The original historic emblem carrying the Latin motto “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body) was prominently displayed throughout the ceremony, serving as a symbol of the continuity of shared values and unwavering commitment to excellence in sports reporting.
Today, ACDNY has solidified its position as a leading, influential voice for Dominican sports media across the United States. The organization remains dedicated to advancing the careers of its members, upholding rigorous ethical standards, and supporting responsible, high-quality journalism within New York’s large and vibrant Dominican community.