Haiti is getting ready to take part in the 25th edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held from July 24 to August 8, 2026, in the Dominican Republic.
Haiti is getting ready to take part in the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be held from July 24 to August 8, 2026, in the Dominican Republic. The president of the Organizing Committee, José Monegro, announced that over 6,200 athletes from across the region are expected for this multi-sport competition, one of the biggest sporting events on the continent.The Haitian delegation will compete in thirteen sports: boxing, cycling, taekwondo, weightlifting, chess, athletics, 3×3 basketball, swimming, diving, gymnastics, table tennis, artistic skating, and triathlon. Despite limited resources, Haiti plans to defend its colors with a generation of athletes who have shown increasingly impressive performances over the past few months.
In boxing, seven fighters will represent the country: Saintelise Jean, Katianna Petit-Homme, Welineton Cénéus, Geronimo Séïde, Cedrick Belony-Duliepre, Carly Pierre, and Robenson Célestin. This sport has traditionally been one of the most competitive for Haiti in regional competitions.Taekwondo will be led by Ava Soon Lee, Jessica Lee, and Sean Jaylen Laloan, with an additional athlete joining thanks to a wild card. All eyes will be especially on Ava Soon Lee. Crowned champion of the 2025 Lima Junior Pan American Games and currently ranked number one in the Pan American region in her category, she is among the top contenders for a gold medal.
In weightlifting, Viollanda Oracin, Polynis Jasili, Ketlène Primot, Dezanne Kyarrah Sanaika Love, Francia Louis, Kimberson Pierre, Kenney Wolsky Luberiste, and Julio Felix Louis will defend the national colors. For several months, this team, based in the Dominican Republic, has been undergoing intensive training that feeds the federation’s ambitions. Viollanda Oracin and Kimberson Pierre are particularly among the athletes likely to make it to the podium.Swimming is also a source of hope. Christian Jérôme will arrive at these Games full of confidence after an exceptional campaign at the Pan American Swimming Games held in Ibagué, Colombia, where he won six medals, including several titles, confirming his status as one of the best Haitian swimmers of his generation.
Chess could also bring some nice surprises. The women’s and men’s teams, made up of Rose Berline Seine, Mérisena Cadeau, Davidson Gabriel, and Marckens Jean-Louis, have a competitive level capable of rivaling several Caribbean nations. Table tennis will be represented by Donika Saint-Fleur, cycling by Wilson Sanon and Louisemene Georges, gymnastics by Pierre Yvenel Stephan, while Valentina Francesca Lalanne will carry Haitian hopes in artistic skating.Over the past few weeks, several Haitian federations have shown encouraging progress in their preparations, especially in weightlifting, swimming, and taekwondo. While winning medals against regional powerhouses like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Colombia, or Cuba will be a major challenge, the Haitian delegation has strong reasons to achieve several remarkable performances and confirm the progress they’ve made in recent years on the regional stage.
