Youth Sports Festival to Unfold in San Francisco

The Dominican Republic's Ministry of Education (Minerd) and the National Institute of Physical Education (Inefi) launched the torch relay for the 11th National School Sports Games on September 2 in Santo Domingo. The games will be held from September 19 to October 2, with San Francisco de Macorís as the main host city, and La Vega, Salcedo, and Nagua as co-host cities.

The torch lighting ceremony took place at the Ministry of Education's main gate plaza, attended by Minister of Education Luis Miguel De Camps and Inefi Director Alberto Rodríguez Mella, with hundreds of students from across the country participating. The torch, which will travel through 18 regions, made its first stop at Nuestra Señora del Carmen High School.

The Meeting of Education and Sports

Minister De Camps emphasized that the torch relay symbolizes not just the start of competition, but the light of knowledge, self-improvement, and teamwork.

"As we light this torch today, we ignite the spirit of our nation united by love of knowledge, passion for sports, and commitment to the future of our youth. This torch is a light that guides public school students toward excellence, reminding us that true victory lies not simply in winning, but in pursuing dreams with consistent effort, discipline, and unwavering determination."

The minister stressed that sports is a school where we learn to get back up when we fall, work as a team, and understand that every achievement is the result of sacrifice and perseverance.

Presidential Investment in Sports Infrastructure

Director Rodríguez Mella stated that these games are made possible thanks to President Luis Abinader's vision for investing in sports infrastructure. Recent construction includes the San Francisco de Macorís Olympic Stadium, the Salcedo multipurpose gymnasium and handball arena, and the La Vega softball stadium.

"These investments not only ensure a successful event but also leave a sustainable legacy for the development of school and community sports in these regions. These school games are not just about competition, but a space to learn values, discipline, respect, and teamwork."

The director emphasized that the torch symbolizes the light of knowledge and the human spirit, marking the official start of the 11th School Sports Games with Duarte Province as the main host.

Scale and Preparation of the Games

The 11th National School Sports Games will feature over 4,600 student athletes competing across 22 disciplines. These athletes were selected through a qualifying process that began in April, where more than 6,000 children and adolescents competed.

The games will run for approximately two weeks from September 19 to October 2, taking place simultaneously at multiple venues centered in San Francisco de Macorís, with additional locations in La Vega, Salcedo, and Nagua.