CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuban sports legend Alberto Juantorena was honored during the Centro Caribe Sports centennial gala, held in the Dominican Republic as part of the events surrounding the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, official sources confirmed today.

Dominican President Luis Abinader presented the organization's prestigious "Athlete of the Centennial" award to Juantorena, a double Olympic champion in the 400m and 800m track events. The honor was accepted on his behalf by Roberto León Richards, President of the Cuban Olympic Committee.

The ceremony also recognized other prominent figures and institutions that have shaped the development of regional sports over the past century. Among the Cuban honorees were Javier Sotomayor, widely regarded as the greatest high jumper in history; María Caridad Colón, a member of the International Olympic Committee; and Mireya Luis, a legendary volleyball star.

The event was presided over by President Abinader, alongside Centro Caribe Sports President Luis Mejía Oviedo and the President of the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee, José Monegro.

The gala paid tribute to the nations that have hosted the Central American and Caribbean Games since their inaugural edition in 1926: Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Venezuela, Jamaica, Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, the latter having hosted the event on three occasions.

President Abinader reaffirmed his government’s commitment to athletic development, assuring that the facilities built and renovated for the Central American and Caribbean Games will remain at the service of the public once the competition concludes.

He emphasized that sports are an essential tool for education and public health, and highlighted the country's dedicated efforts to welcome the participating delegations, noting that the event was organized with "all our affection, all our effort, and all our passion."

Meanwhile, José Monegro, President of the Santo Domingo 2026 Organizing Committee, highlighted the spirit of unity that defines Central America and the Caribbean, stating that the Games serve as a key platform to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the peoples of the region.

During his address, Monegro remarked that the area's greatest achievement is being "the most peaceful region in the world," a status he described as "the grand medal, the one that is hardest to win." He also extended a warm welcome to the 37 participating nations and territories, referring to their representatives as "our friends, our brothers and sisters."

With this milestone celebration, Centro Caribe Sports commemorated a century of history dedicated to fostering integration, friendship, and solidarity through sports, while honoring the nations and sports figures who have championed the growth of the Central American and Caribbean athletic movement.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)