Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – President Luis Abinader has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sports and gender equality with the inauguration of a modern sports complex in Ciudad Juan Bosch and the launch of the 2026 Women’s Games.

New Complex to Support Diverse Athletic Pursuits

The newly unveiled complex is equipped to accommodate a wide range of sports, including basketball, volleyball, baseball, gymnastics, indoor soccer, boxing, judo, and more. This proves designed to provide increased access to sports facilities for women and girls, fostering self-esteem and autonomy.

The infrastructure investment totaled RD$ 517,226,200.78, funded by the VBC-RD Trust. The complex features a basketball court adaptable for volleyball, multipurpose courts for karate, judo, gymnastics, and boxing, a minor league playfield with seating for over 1,000 spectators, futsal and handball fields, a one-kilometer exercise circuit, green spaces, parking, accessibility ramps, and storm drainage systems.

“It is a powerful lever of social development that positively impacts the health of citizens and crime prevention, promotes child development, discipline, teamwork and resilience,”

Camel Curi Lora, Executive Director of the VBC-RD Trust

Women’s Games Return After Decade-Long Hiatus

The 2026 Women’s Games, which had been inactive for approximately ten years, will feature over 680 athletes competing in 11 disciplines: athletics, 3×3 and 5×5 basketball, judo, karate, taekwondo, triathlon, skating, softball, beach and indoor volleyball, wrestling, and weightlifting. Delegations from Cuba (judo), Costa Rica (basketball), and Puerto Rico (karate) will participate as invited guests.

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz stated the intention is to hold the Women’s Games annually, providing a consistent platform for Dominican women in sports and expanding opportunities across various disciplines.

“These represent a firm step in President Luis Abinader’s commitment to continue promoting women’s sports in the Dominican Republic, creating more opportunities for our athletes and promoting equality, discipline and talent in every corner of the country.”

Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports

The organizing committee will be led by Olympic medalist Marileidy Paulino, and the games are dedicated to Melba Segura de Grullón, recognizing her contributions to social development through the Sur Futuro Foundation.

Government Commitment to Community Development

President Abinader highlighted the positive impact of the new facilities on the quality of life for residents of Ciudad Juan Bosch, adding to existing improvements such as an amphitheater, ecological park, funeral home, healthcare facilities, and water system upgrades. The number of families residing in Ciudad Juan Bosch has increased from 5,000 in 2020 to approximately 15,000.

“Estoy seguro que este será un gran evento,”

Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic

“Participemos con entusiasmo, pasión y prudencia, pero sobre todo con un sentido de compañerismo, porque de eso se trata el deporte.”

Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic

FAQ

• What sports will be included in the 2026 Women’s Games? Athletics, 3×3 and 5×5 basketball, judo, karate, taekwondo, triathlon, skating, softball, beach and indoor volleyball, wrestling, and weightlifting.
• Where are the 2026 Women’s Games being held? Ciudad Juan Bosch, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
• Who is chairing the organizing committee for the Women’s Games? Olympic medalist Marileidy Paulino.