News

One of the major regional sporting events is heading to Panama. Officials have confirmed that Panama will host the Central American and Caribbean Games in 2022.

“This is a dream come true,” President of the Olympic Committee of Panama Camilo Amado told reporters.

The Central American and Caribbean Games is the oldest regional sporting event in the world, attracting teams from all the area’s countries, including Colombia and Venezuela. Organized by the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organization, also known as ODECABE, the games are held every four years, usually in the middle year between Olympics. Teams compete in everything from archery to wrestling. Panama hasn’t hosted the Games since 1970.

Beyond exciting sports fans, the Games will serve as a catalyst for development in the city. The government has committed $200 million to build infrastructure and organize the event. Panama City won’t have to build a sports village, due to the wealth of hotels and existing facilities, according to coverage in La Estrella.

“We are convinced that holding this event in Panama is a unique opportunity not only for ODECABE [the organizers], it will also directly influence the process of consolidation and reorganization of the Panamanian sports system,” Adamo said.

The announcements comes only a few days after the Vatican confirmed the 2019 dates for World Youth Day in Panama, one of the largest events in the Catholic world. The ability to host these large international events is another sign of Panama City’s emergence on the world stage.

Organizing committee’s carefully review a city’s infrastructure, including hotels, flights, and arenas, before awarding this level of event. Clearly Panama City is making the grade.