Spanish
SANTO DOMINGO. The Dominican Republic celebrated this Sunday one of its most memorable days in sports with the induction of twelve emblematic figures to the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame, during the 59th edition of its ceremony, held in the main auditorium of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.
The aides-de-camp of the exalted ones included figures such as Emma Mejía, Dinorah Cruz, María Gertrudis Mercedes, Katherine Reyes, Jay Payano, among others. Family members represented those who could not travel, such as Francia Jackson and Wilfredo Almonte; and Cristian Cruz received the posthumous recognition of his father Beato Miguel.
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The new immortals are baseball players José Reyes, Edwin Encarnación and José Offerman; boxer Joan Guzmán; judoka Juan Carlos Jacinto; karateka Rubel Salomón; taekwondo athlete Luis Benítez; the high jumper Wilfredo Almonte; volleyball player Francia Jackson; former NBA player Charlie Villanueva; player and manager Gonzalo Mejía and the deceased coach Beato Miguel Cruz (Miguelo). The twelve figures, chosen for their extraordinary careers and exemplary conduct, received the highest distinction in national sport in an emotional ceremony. The event was led by Dionisio Guzmán, president of the Permanent Committee of the Hall of Fame, who highlighted the virtues, legacy, and international impact of those inducted. Guzmán also valued the infrastructural advances for the Centennial Games and the success of the 2024 Border and School Games. The exaltation was accompanied by the Honorary President Manuel Estrella and the secretary Rafael Damirón, along with a wide representation of the national sports sector. The ceremony began with the parade of symbols of the Pavilion, the installation of the Permanent Committee, the anthems performed by the Orfeón de Santiago and the blessing of the act by Monsignor Lorenzo Vargas. The main driving force fell on "Yancen Pujols" and "José Antonio Mena".Tributes and Special Distinctions
The act was dedicated to the stellar Major League third baseman José Ramírez, for his impact on the Cleveland Guardians, his exemplary civic conduct, and the honor received this year when the city named a street after him. Weightlifter Yudelina Mejía was also recognized for becoming the first Dominican to win gold in a World Weightlifting Championship, a feat achieved last October in Førde, Norway.The Speeches of the New Immortals
José Reyes — Professional Baseball
The former MLB star deeply thanked God, his parents José Manuel and Rosalía, his wife Katherine, and his daughters. He acknowledged key figures such as his uncle Freddy, scout Eli Toledo, and coach Juan Robles. He dedicated the honor to his childhood friends who traveled to support him: “This achievement is also yours.”Blessed Miguel Cruz (†) — Volleyball / Coach
His son Cristian described the exaltation as "an act of historical justice." He highlighted that Cruz built character, transformed lives, and constructed national identity through sports. "My father trained citizens, not just athletes."Rubel Salomón — Karate
Moved by representing his province Zamora as its first immortal, he thanked Luisín Mejía for supporting him after his 2004 injury, the chroniclers Leo Corporán and Rolando Guante, and the vice minister Kennedy Vargas.France Jackson — Volleyball
Through a message sent from abroad, the legendary setter thanked the Pavilion, her family, director Cristóbal Marte, her first coach Mayo Sibilia, the coaching staff, and her teammates. “This dream belongs to everyone who walked with me.”José Offerman — Professional Baseball
He offered extensive thanks to his mother, wife, children, and siblings. He highlighted his father's legacy and the support of figures such as Gregorio Olivares, Rafael Ávila, Elvio Jiménez, and Epifanio Guerrero. He thanked Licey, all Dominican baseball organizations, and the Dominican Autism Foundation.Wilfredo “Willy” Almonte — Athletics
Excited, he attributed his arrival at the Pavilion to the grace of God and the support of those who accompanied his career in the national athletics jump events.Luis Benítez — Taekwondo
He dedicated his exaltation to his children, especially to his firstborn Jeriffer, his aide-de-camp. He thanked his parents, his mentor Tony Mesa, and his tatami partners. "My success has been dedication."Charlie Villanueva — Basketball
He expressed his love for his family and celebrated his connection to his Dominican heritage. He recalled that after representing the U.S. at 17, he decided to do so for the Dominican Republic: “I had to be true to my roots.” He announced that he will spend more time in the country with his future residence in the DR.Juan Carlos Jacinto — Judo
He dedicated his exaltation to God and his family: his wife Carmen, his children Carla, Juan Carlos and Cael, his mother Melina and his siblings. He acknowledged coaches, leaders and athletes who guided him on his path of sacrifice and discipline.Participation and ceremonial protocol
Liranyi Alonso and Alex Prats carried the flags, while the chronicler Alelaida Hernández and the international referee Yuri Ramírez paraded with the Laurel and Machete symbols.The aides-de-camp of the exalted ones included figures such as Emma Mejía, Dinorah Cruz, María Gertrudis Mercedes, Katherine Reyes, Jay Payano, among others. Family members represented those who could not travel, such as Francia Jackson and Wilfredo Almonte; and Cristian Cruz received the posthumous recognition of his father Beato Miguel.
