More than 500 athletes set for Dominican Republic’s first inclusive games
More than 500 athletes with disabilities will compete in eight sports across the Dominican Republic during an inaugural event scheduled from November 16 to November 19, 2026, Infobae reported. The event aims to expand sports participation under equal conditions while serving as a talent identification milestone for the Dominican delegation heading to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile 2027.
Inclusive and Adapted Sports Forum opens in Santo Domingo
Competition proceedings open with a dedicated Inclusive and Adapted Sports Forum starting at 9:00 local time at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santo Domingo. Discussions at the opening session will center on sports, social inclusion, and the participation of individuals with disabilities.
Eight sports disciplines on the program
The athletic schedule features eight distinct sports disciplines: basketball, athletics, badminton, football, baseball, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball. Benny Metz, president of the National Disability Council, stated during the formal presentation at the James Rodríguez Multipurpose Salon within the MIDEREC building that the opening events will position sport as an essential vehicle for community participation and inclusion. Officials from sports and educational sectors, including CONADIS executive director Alexis Alcántara, Dominican Olympic Committee president Garibaldi Bautista, and Henrry Rodríguez representing MINERD’s Special Education Directorate, attended the launch.
Minister Kelvin Cruz supports accessible sports system
Sports and Recreation Kelvin Cruz affirmed his ministry's support for programs broadening athletic horizons for disabled citizens. “Los Primeros Juegos Inclusivos RD 2026 representan una oportunidad para avanzar hacia un sistema deportivo más accesible, equitativo y abierto a todos,” Cruz said, describing the games as a step toward a more open sports system. Guillermo Álvarez, president of Special Olympics Dominican Republic, emphasized that the competition honors the dedication and effort of participating competitors under the broader institutional framework backed by President Luis Abinader.
Path to the Chile 2027 World Games
Beyond domestic participation, the November event operates as the official selection platform for identifying and projecting national athletic talent ahead of the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Chile 2027. Organizers anticipate that establishing these competitive structures will solidify stable avenues for athletic development, social coexistence, and skill enhancement for competitors with disabilities throughout the country.
Worth a look
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