The XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games were inaugurated in a vibrant ceremony in the capital of El Salvador.
More than 5,000 athletes and coaches from 35 participating countries and renowned artists from the region gathered to mark the beginning of the Games.
The President extended a warm welcome to all the delegations and commended El Salvador for stepping up to organize the Games in less than a year and a half.
Despite the challenges faced, the government successfully took on the task after Panama declined to host the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision of El Salvador to rescue the Games was praised by the president of the regional sports organization, Centro Caribe Sports, recognizing the remarkable achievement of organizing the Games in such a short timeframe.
The president of the Organizing Committee, Karim Bukele, acknowledged the efforts of thousands of individuals involved in making the Central American and Caribbean Games possible as scheduled.
The ceremony featured captivating choreographies representing the native cultures of El Salvador, and the official song of the Games was performed by artists from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
The event concluded with an electrifying performance by popular American DJ Marshmello. His electronic music, combined with dazzling lights and fireworks, ignited the enthusiasm of the attendees, who joyfully sang along to his songs.
The XXIV Central American and Caribbean Games will continue until July 8, providing an exciting platform for athletes from the region to showcase their talent and compete for glory.