Published on Tuesday, January 13, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The XLII National Sports Games officially opened Monday in Costa Rica’s Caribbean province of Limón.

The event is organized by the Institute of Sports (Icoder) and will run for the next two weeks.

Opening ceremonies were held at Juan Gobán Stadium in Limón City, which will host the main competitions featuring teams representing Costa Rica’s seven provinces.

Additional events are being staged at sports venues across Limón’s six cantons: Pococí, Guácimo, Siquirres, Matina, Limón and Talamanca.

This year’s games include 5,057 athletes and para-athletes representing 79 cantonal sports and recreation committees, along with two district councils.

Competition began with events in 10 disciplines: taekwondo, beach volleyball, road cycling, men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, baseball, handball, weightlifting, and track and field.

 

In addition to the official competition schedule, the games feature six exhibition sports: surfing, rugby, cricket, cheerleading, archery and fencing. Organizers say the exhibition events expand the sports program and promote greater diversity in athletic development nationwide.

Admission to all competitions is free. Authorities are encouraging the public to attend and support the country’s young athletes.

Hosting what is considered the country’s most important student athletic event required an investment of approximately $7 million. The funding was provided through the budget of the Rural Development Institute, known as Inder.

Icoder is the government agency responsible for promoting, supporting and developing individual and team sports throughout Costa Rica.

Inder is the state-run agency that oversees rural infrastructure development nationwide.

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What have you heard about young athletes in your community participating in the National Sports Games? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com