CCS is trying to work out a major scheduling conflict. ARCHIVE

Caribbean athletes face a major dilemma with overlapping multi‑sport events in 2026. Next summer's Central American and Caribbean Games and the Commonwealth Games are set to take place at the same time, on different continents.

"Caribbean NOCs and CGAs find themselves in a bit of a quandary," Keith Joseph, President of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, told Sports Max.


Most of the Caribbean's National Olympic Committees also function as Commonwealth Games Associations, which now must find a way to commit to either one or both of the high-profile competitions. The CAC Games carry special significance in 2026 as they mark the 100th anniversary of the Games—the oldest regional multi-sport event in the world after the Olympics. 

Joseph explained that CCS President Luisin Mejias de Oviedo, a member of the International Olympic Committee, has emphasised the importance of celebrating the Games' centenary. Santo Domingo was chosen to host the event in 2022, giving the Dominican Republic the honour of hosting the Games for the third time. 

Victoria, which was set to host the 2026 edition of the Commonwealth Games, had planned to host the Games in March. However, the Australian hosts decided to pull out of hosting the event, citing costs. Glasgow stepped up to the plate and was named host last year, later confirming that they will be hosting it in August, rather than the initial dates earmarked for the event.

"Once Glasgow's dates were announced, Caribbean NOCs and CGAs realised the predicament that confronted them. Commonwealth Sport immediately saw the conundrum into which it was also thrown," Joseph revealed. 

Joseph explained that while discussions between Centro Caribe Sports and Commonwealth Sport are ongoing, they've yet to reach a resolution. The choice may ultimately have to be made by the participants or their management. 

"Athletes are not always the masters of their own destinies," Joseph said. "Agents, coaches, and professional obligations often determine which competitions they attend. In many cases, these 'handlers' wield more influence than national federations or Olympic committees."

This makes it all the more important to involve the athletes and give them a voice. "If, as we so often say, we are in this for the athlete, then it would appear appropriate to fully engage them in the decision-making process," he said.

The Central American and Caribbean Games will be held from 24 to 8 July 2026, with over 6,000 athletes from the 37 member delegations set to compete. The programme includes over 30 sports, 60 disciplines and a total of 413 events. 

Glasgow 2026 is set for 23 July to 2 August 2026 and expects 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories. The scaled-back edition will feature just 10 sports, with six integrated para-sports.