The Dominican Republic is set to host the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026, marking what is anticipated to be the largest edition of this prestigious regional multi-sport event. President Luis Abinader has declared that the nation will make history through its hosting of the Games, which will bring together over 6,000 athletes competing for a record-breaking 3,244 medals. The government has already allocated RD$315 million to the Dominican Olympic Committee to support athlete training, coaching, and preparatory camps, with high-performance athletes receiving a 100% increase in funding. The event will feature 40 sports, 57 disciplines, and 63 modalities, with 483 events held across eight venues, including the National District, Santo Domingo, Santiago, Bonao, Punta Cana, Cabarete, Baní, and Juan Dolio. Approximately 90% of the venues are expected to be completed by December 2025, with significant investments in facilities such as the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center and Parque del Este. A lasting legacy of the Games will be the ‘Villa Centroamericana y del Caribe,’ a complex of 150 low-cost housing units that will be converted into affordable homes for Dominican families post-event. President Abinader emphasized that the Games will promote inclusion, national unity, and partnerships across various sectors, while also enhancing the Dominican Republic’s identity and regional reputation. This initiative underscores the government’s strategy to leverage major sporting events for urban development, housing solutions, and national branding.
分类： sports
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Three Saint Lucians named to FIFA Committees
In a groundbreaking development this week, three distinguished Saint Lucians have been appointed to key standing committees of FIFA, the global governing body for football, for the 2025-2029 term. This historic decision was finalized during the FIFA Council Meeting held on October 2 in Zurich, Switzerland, following extensive consultations with FIFA member associations and regional confederations. The appointments mark a significant recognition of Saint Lucia’s contributions to the sport on both local and global stages. Lyndon Cooper, President of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA), has been named Deputy Chair of the FIFA Development Committee. Examin Philbert, President of the Vieux Fort Football League, has secured a seat on the FIFA Women’s National Team Competitions Committee, while Dr. Natasha Innocent has been appointed to the FIFA Medical Committee. Cooper, who also serves as President of the Caribbean Football Union, emphasized the significance of these appointments, stating, ‘This recognition at the highest level of football underscores the progress we are making in developing the sport locally and regionally.’ FIFA has expressed its satisfaction with the appointments, acknowledging the ongoing commitment of Saint Lucians to advancing football globally. The standing committees, which report directly to the FIFA Council, play a crucial role in advising and assisting the Council in their respective areas of expertise. FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the broader implications of these appointments, noting, ‘The new Standing Committees will enhance the involvement of member associations, increase female representation, and bring focused technical expertise to various aspects of football, ensuring FIFA is better prepared for future challenges.’
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Chris Dehring sees hope for West Indies cricket through sports tourism
Despite recent struggles on and off the field, Cricket West Indies CEO Chris Dehring has outlined an ambitious plan to revitalize Caribbean cricket through sports tourism. Speaking at the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC) 2025 in Barbados, Dehring addressed the financial challenges and opportunities facing the region’s beloved sport. Recent setbacks, including a revised 2026 cricket calendar and poor international performances, have raised concerns about the future of West Indies cricket. However, Dehring remains optimistic, citing the enduring passion of Caribbean fans as a foundation for recovery. He emphasized the importance of leveraging sports tourism to attract global attention and investment. Key initiatives include the development of a 20-acre world-class facility in Antigua, featuring a cricket ground, high-performance center, and a transformed “Sticky Wicket” restaurant into an elite cricket academy and museum. Dehring also called on the Caribbean corporate community to invest in cricket, highlighting the sport’s potential to benefit the entire region. With the global sports tourism market projected to reach USD 645.76 billion by 2025, this strategy could provide a much-needed financial boost to West Indies cricket.
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Nicolas Geleyns: “Ending the season like this is a real confidence boost for what’s ahead”
Nicolas Geleyns, the Antigua-based rallycross driver, concluded his 2025 season on a high note with a stellar performance at the French Rallycross Championship held at the Dreux circuit. Fresh off a third-place finish in the FIA Euro RX3 European Championship, Geleyns demonstrated his prowess once again, securing a second-place finish in the national series—his best result to date. Competing against a formidable field of 27 drivers, he scored 34 out of a possible 41 points, marking a significant milestone in his career. Geleyns reflected on his performance, acknowledging areas for improvement but expressing satisfaction with his overall progress. He highlighted his ability to adapt to the French championship’s tire specifications and his strategic approach during the final race, where he clocked the second-fastest lap of the weekend. Looking ahead, Geleyns is already setting his sights on the 2026 season, with a clear goal of contending for the European title and securing a podium finish. He emphasized the importance of refining his racing techniques and maintaining composure under pressure, lessons he has honed throughout the year. With a strong foundation laid in 2025, Geleyns is poised to make a significant impact in the rallycross circuit next year.
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The price of spite: when politics cancelled cricket
The cancellation of the international youth cricket matches scheduled to take place at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has dealt a severe blow to the nation’s economy, culture, and national pride. The matches, which were set to feature the Under-19 teams of England, the United States, and the West Indies, were abruptly called off due to what officials described as ‘changes in international scheduling.’ However, many Vincentians remain skeptical of this explanation, suspecting political interference instead.
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‘Lady Camille’ reels in victory at Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Frenchly Bryan, affectionately known as Kush, alongside his team of fishermen from Mason Hall, Oracabessa, St Mary, emerged victorious at the 21st Oracabessa Bay Marlin Tournament. The event, held at the Oracabessa Bay Fishing Village on Sunday, saw over 60 boats vying for the prestigious title. Bryan and his team set sail at 6:00 am aboard their vessel, ‘Lady Camille,’ and returned triumphantly after 4:00 pm with the heaviest marlin of the day, weighing an impressive 127 pounds. Bryan, who had previously come close to winning in Portland, expressed his elation, ‘It’s a happy moment for me. We faced challenges, but we persevered and got the big catch.’ The team’s victory earned them $100,000, a Yahama boat engine valued at $500,000, and other sponsored prizes. The event, conceptualized in 1995 by Chris Blackwell of the Golden Eye Foundation and the Oracabessa Fisheries Association, continues to be a highlight for fishermen across the island, offering not only glory but also substantial rewards. Tajhema Williams, a member of the winning team, shared her excitement, ‘It was a nice experience, especially when we got the big catch. We’re looking forward to next year.’ The tournament, supported by major sponsors like the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Yamaha, and Grace Foods, was a resounding success, drawing scores of residents from Oracabessa and surrounding communities. Travis Graham, Executive Director of the Golden Eye Foundation, praised the event’s seamless execution, ‘This event has been incident-free over the years, and I want to thank the people of Oracabessa for another great event.’ The day concluded with celebrations as supporters gathered at the shore, eagerly anticipating the fishermen’s return with their prized marlin catches.
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West Indies fightback ‘sign of good things’, says Campbell
In a remarkable display of resilience, West Indies opener John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered centuries to revive their team’s fortunes in the second Test against India at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Campbell, scoring his maiden Test century with 115 runs, partnered with Hope, who contributed 103, to forge a 177-run stand. This effort came after India enforced the follow-on, leaving the West Indies in a precarious position at 35-2 in their second innings. The duo’s partnership, along with a late surge from Justin Greaves (50 not out) and Jayden Seales (32), propelled the West Indies to a total of 390 all out, setting India a modest target of 121 runs on day four. Despite India’s strong position at 63-1 by stumps, Campbell remained optimistic, citing the unpredictable nature of the pitch. He acknowledged his dismissal to Ravindra Jadeja as a miscalculation but emphasized the team’s positive strides. The West Indies, plagued by recent batting collapses, including a record low of 27 against Australia, view this performance as a potential turning point. Campbell expressed hope that this resilience against India’s formidable bowling attack could signal better days ahead for Caribbean cricket.
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Levi: It was do or die against Bermuda in World Cup qualifier
Following a decisive 3-0 victory over Bermuda in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers, Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team is gearing up for a pivotal Group B clash against Curacao. The match is scheduled for October 14 at the Ergilio Hate Stadium, with kickoff at 7 pm TT time. This encounter comes on the heels of TT’s first win in the final round, which followed a goalless draw against Curacao in September and a 2-0 defeat to Jamaica. Stand-in captain Levi Garcia, who plays professionally for Spartak Moscow, emphasized the significance of the upcoming game, describing it as ‘the most important game at the moment’ in their qualifying campaign. Garcia expressed pride in the team’s performance against Bermuda but stressed the need for continued improvement and unity. The Bermuda match saw TT break their goal drought with Dante Sealy scoring early, followed by Tyrese Spicer and Kobi Henry adding to the tally. Garcia highlighted the importance of early goals in setting the tone for a dominant performance. Both Garcia and Sealy praised the team’s cohesion and execution of the game plan, despite challenging weather conditions. Garcia also underscored the contributions of younger players, noting their growing confidence and importance to the squad. With TT currently third in Group B, Garcia urged the team to maintain focus, belief, and togetherness as they aim for a positive result against Curacao. The team will conclude their qualifying campaign with home matches against Jamaica and Bermuda in November. Only the group winners secure automatic World Cup qualification, with the two best second-placed teams advancing to FIFA’s intercontinental playoff.
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India close in on series win over Windies despite John Campbell, Shai Hope centuries
West Indies openers John Campbell and Shai Hope delivered remarkable performances on the fourth day of the second Test against India at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. Despite their centuries, the Caribbean team remains on the brink of a 2-0 series defeat. Campbell, resuming his innings at 87 not out, achieved his maiden Test century with a solid 115, while Hope, unbeaten overnight on 66, also reached triple figures with a composed 103. Their efforts propelled West Indies to a second innings total of 390, but India’s dominant first innings lead left them with a modest target of 121 for victory. Campbell’s innings included 12 fours and three sixes, while Hope struck 12 fours and two sixes. However, a middle-order collapse saw West Indies lose five wickets for just 18 runs, with Roston Chase contributing 40. The last-wicket partnership of Justin Greaves (50 not out) and Jayden Seales (32) added 79 runs, delaying India’s pursuit. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/44) and Kuldeep Yadav (3/104), kept the pressure on. In response, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early but KL Rahul (25 not out) and Sai Sudharsan (30 not out) steadied the ship, leaving India needing just 58 more runs for victory on the final day.
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Khary Pierre on 2nd Test against India: We’re still in it
West Indies left-arm spinner Khary Pierre remains steadfast in his belief that his team can stage a comeback against India, despite facing a daunting 97-run deficit at the close of day three in the second Test in Delhi. India set a formidable first-innings total of 518/5 declared, leaving the West Indies struggling at 248 all out, trailing by 270 runs. However, the visitors showed resilience on the third day, with opener John Campbell (87 not out) and top-order batsman Shai Hope (66 not out) steering the team to 173/2 by stumps. Pierre emphasized that the Test match is still alive, provided the team maintains focus and discipline at the crease. While a West Indies victory seems unlikely, Pierre did not dismiss the possibility, acknowledging that a draw would be preferable to a loss. He praised Campbell and Hope for their spirited performance, which has kept the West Indies in contention with two days remaining. Pierre also reflected on his own experience, describing his second Test match as a challenging yet educational opportunity to adapt to the demands of the longer format.