The event started with a welcome speech from Ulises Jiménez, spokesperson for the Salesian Province of the Antilles, “San Juan Bosco.” He thanked the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Antonio Cruz Cáceres, the Director of INEFI (Instituto Nacional de Educación Física – National Institute for Physical Education) Alberto Rodríguez Mella, the Salesian National Games Organising Committee, and the Dominican sports media.
The gathering then received a blessing from Fr. Jesús Baltazar, Provincial Economer of the Salesians of the Antilles. Fr. Ysidro Ramírez, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry and President of the Salesian National Games, thanked the President of the Republic, Luis Rodolfo Abinader Corona, the Ministry of Sports, INEFI, and all institutions and individuals involved in organizing the event.
“The Salesian National Games, with the motto ‘Play with Hope,’ invite us to spread a message of love,” said Fr. Ramírez, emphasizing the importance of the event as a tool for evangelization through sports and for promoting values.
The Minister of Sports reaffirmed the Dominican government’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting that after an eight-year hiatus, the Salesian National Games are returning with support from his ministry, which has allocated 7 million pesos ($112,000) in human and material resources to ensure the event’s success.
Franklin Ortega, Technical Director of the Salesian National Games, stressed that the games serve as a model for unity among people from different backgrounds, as well as a means of healthy recreation for Dominican youth, aligning with national laws and integral Salesian education principles.
Detailing this edition of the Salesian National Games, Ortega announced that competitions will take place in nine sports, including soccer, futsal, athletics, basketball, baseball, volleyball, chess, table tennis, and, for the first time, e-sports. He also confirmed the participation of athletes from all Salesian communities, representing delegations from 17 provinces and 8 countries, with a special guest delegation from “Colegio Claret” in Santo Domingo.
A notable initiative this year is the event’s focus on environmental sustainability. To offset the carbon footprint generated by the games, organizers will plant one tree for each participating athlete, with a dedicated reforestation day scheduled after the event.
In his speech, the Director of INEFI highlighted the significance of the Salesian mission in the Dominican Republic and the joint efforts of the Salesian community and its collaborators in making this 16th edition of the Games a reality. "Our goal is to ensure that these games take place every two years with commitment and punctuality. But to achieve this, we need collaboration from the Government, Salesians, and Alumni," said Rodríguez, noting that this competition will serve as a prelude to the National School Games organized by the Ministry of Sports and INEFI.
The 16th Salesian National Games will be held from March 20 to 23, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium, Parque del Este, and the sports fields of the Armed Forces in Santo Domingo.
For more information and event updates, visit www.clasico.com.do or follow the Salesian and event social media pages: @jns.rd, @salesianosant, and @pjsalesiana.
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