WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has officially been selected to host the 2029 Caribbean Games, marking a major achievement for the island's sporting ambitions and positioning the country to welcome hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and visitors from across the Caribbean.
The decision was made on Sunday, October 18, during the 24th General Assembly of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC), which was held in Curaçao.
The announcement represents another milestone for the island's growing international sporting profile, following Curaçao's historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its achievements in baseball and other international competitions.
Curaçao's successful bid was submitted by Federashon Deporte i Olímpiko Kòrsou (FDOK), the island's national Olympic and sports federation, with the support of the Government of Curaçao.
CANOC is the regional organization representing National Olympic Committees throughout the Caribbean. Its mission includes promoting sports development, supporting athletes and national federations, and strengthening cooperation among its members.
The Caribbean Games are a regional multisport competition organized under CANOC's leadership, providing athletes with an opportunity to compete internationally within their own region.
The inaugural edition was held in Guadeloupe in 2022, attracting more than 800 athletes from 29 countries and territories.
Ten Days of Competition Across Curaçao
According to the government, the 2029 Caribbean Games in Curaçao are expected to take place over approximately ten days and feature ten sporting disciplines.
Competitions will be organized at different sports facilities across the island, allowing multiple communities to participate in hosting the regional event.
The Games are expected to attract athletes, coaches, sports officials and visitors from throughout the Caribbean, creating opportunities for the local sports sector as well as businesses involved in tourism, hospitality, transportation and other services.
The government has not yet announced the exact dates of the Games, the sports that will be included or the anticipated number of participants.
Those details are expected to be determined as preparations advance.
FDOK to Lead Organization with Government Support
FDOK will be responsible for organizing the Games in cooperation with CANOC, national sports federations, the private sector and the Government of Curaçao.
An intergovernmental working group will serve as the government's permanent point of contact with FDOK throughout the preparation process.
One of the first tasks will be to conduct an inventory of Curaçao's existing sports facilities and determine what will be required to accommodate the different competitions.
The preparations will also include an assessment of hotel accommodation capacity, transportation arrangements and security requirements.
These evaluations will help determine whether existing infrastructure can meet the needs of the Games and what additional arrangements may be necessary.
The announcement does not specify the total budget for organizing the event or whether investments will be required to renovate or expand sports facilities.
With approximately three years remaining before the Games, the planning process will be important in determining the scale of the organizational and financial commitments involved.
Prime Minister Pisas Celebrates Historic Decision
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas welcomed the decision, describing it as another proud moment for Curaçao.
"This is once again a day of pride for all of Curaçao. Following our country's historic participation in the FIFA World Cup, Curaçao is demonstrating once again that it deserves a place in the international sporting world," Pisas said.
The Prime Minister referred to Curaçao's sporting achievements, including its national football team, internationally recognized baseball player Andruw Jones and the island's Little League world champions.
"Curaçao is the country of the Blue Wave, of Andruw Jones and of the Little League champions. That is why the government stands firmly behind FDOK and will work together with the federation to organize a sporting event that the entire region will remember with pride," he stated.
Pisas also expressed appreciation to CANOC for selecting Curaçao as the host country.
"We thank CANOC for its confidence, and in 2029 we look forward to warmly welcoming athletes from throughout the Caribbean to our island."
Opportunities for Sports Development and Tourism
Hosting the Caribbean Games represents an opportunity for Curaçao to strengthen its sporting infrastructure, promote athletic development and gain further experience organizing major international competitions.
The event could also create opportunities for local athletes to compete at a high level in front of their home supporters.
Beyond sports, the arrival of international delegations and visitors could benefit the hospitality sector, restaurants, transportation providers and other businesses.
However, the actual economic impact will depend on the number of participants and visitors, the duration of their stays and the expenditure required to organize the event.
The government has not yet released an economic impact assessment or detailed financial projections.
The selection also places responsibility on Curaçao's sports organizations and public authorities to ensure that the necessary facilities, accommodations, transportation and security arrangements are ready in time.
For FDOK, the coming years will involve close coordination with CANOC and local stakeholders to translate the successful bid into a fully operational sporting event.
With the host country now officially confirmed, Curaçao will begin preparing to welcome the Caribbean's athletes in 2029, bringing one of the region's major multisport competitions to the island for the first time.