Dominican Republic Launches First Inclusive Games for November 2026

More than 500 athletes with disabilities will compete in the inaugural Juegos Inclusivos RD 2026, a landmark initiative designed to promote equitable access to sports across the Dominican Republic. The event is scheduled to take place from November 16 to 19, 2026, in Santo Domingo.

Organizational Structure

The games are organized by a coalition of state and civil society entities forming the Organizing Committee. Key partners include Olimpiadas Especiales República Dominicana, the National Council on Disability (CONADIS), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MIDEREC), the Ministry of Education (MINERD), and the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI) Source: El Día. This multi-sector approach underscores the government’s commitment to integrating disability rights into national sporting policy.

Event Details and Disciplines

The competition will feature a diverse range of adaptive sports. Benny Metz, president of CONADIS, confirmed that athletes will participate in disciplines including basketball, athletics, badminton, football, baseball, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, and beach volleyball Source: El Día. The opening day will begin at 9:00 AM with the Inclusive and Adapted Sports Forum at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, focusing on broader themes of inclusion and participation Source: El Día.

Official Support

Minister of Sports Kelvin Cruz emphasized that the games represent a step toward a more accessible and open sports system Source: Hoy; El Día. Alberto Rodríguez of INEI highlighted the role of school sports in fostering teamwork and integral development, while Guillermo Álvarez of Special Olympics praised the initiative for strengthening national sport Source: Hoy; El Día. The presentation was held at MIDEREC’s James Rodríguez Multiuse Hall, signaling strong institutional backing for these rights-based athletic opportunities Source: El Día.