The Ministry of Sports and Recreation in the Dominican Republic announced the relaunch of sports camps during Holy Week, an initiative that revives abandoned spaces for years. These will be developed in 18 provinces from this Thursday, March 30, to Easter Sunday, in 25 strategic points that cover tourist areas and communities with high influx of vacationers.
Objectives and Official Statements
The Minister Kelvin Cruz emphasized that the sports camps aim to put sports on the national radar and offer safe alternatives during the holiday. “Simply, we want to continue promoting sports in the Dominican Republic”, expressed Cruz, highlighting the need for healthy recreation wherever families are.
“Wherever you are, have the opportunity to recreate healthily”, indicated the Minister.
Locations and Activities in the sports camps
Among the venues are Jarabacoa and La Vega in the Cibao; in the National District, La Ciénaga and Capotillo; and in the province of Santo Domingo, Boca Chica as the main point, plus the Parque del Este and Pedro Brand. Other provinces include Pedernales, Barahona, Monte Plata, El Seibo, San Cristóbal, Moca, San Pedro de Macorís, Samaná, San Juan, Montecristi, La Romana, Nagua, La Altagracia, Independencia, and Puerto Plata.
Disciplines and Logistical Support
The activities include football, 3×3 basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, softball, chess, dominoes, sack races, and sand speed competitions. Each site will have recreation specialists, trainers, and certified monitors. The Deputy Minister Fernando Teruel emphasized the goal of promoting healthy habits and reducing alcohol consumption.
- Football and basketball for junior teams.
- Beach volleyball in coastal areas.
- Chess and dominoes for all ages.
The operation receives support from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), led by Juan Manuel Méndez, who will deploy over 51,000 people along with Civil Defense, National Police, Politur, and 9-1-1. Historically, these sports camps date back to previous administrations of the Ministry, but had disappeared from the calendar; their return responds to demands for family-friendly options during long holidays, according to institutional records.
Cruz reiterated the commitment to sports development. The sports camps of Holy Week strengthen the promotion of recreation as a social tool in the Dominican Republic.
