Sportsin visits La Casa Dominicana at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. A unique celebratory space for a country that for many years has wanted to provide an iconic venue where Dominican athletes and fans can celebrate and share sporting achievements. All in an environment that reflects the rich culture of the Dominican Republic.
It all started in London
The idea of creating a home for Dominican athletes began to take shape during the London 2012 Olympic Games. Manuel Luna, Executive Director of CRESO, explains in an interview with Sportsin how they observed at that time that other countries already had hospitality houses for their athletes and loved the idea. However, it was in 2016 when the CRESO organisation started to take shape and the dream that is now being fulfilled started to become possible. ‘In 2016, when the organisation began to gain momentum, we saw that it was possible to build a Dominican House, but we were not yet mature enough,’ says Luna. And although a Dominican House was planned for Tokyo 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the plans to be cancelled.
The way forward
With a clear vision and the collaboration of various sectors, the Dominican House project for Paris 2024 took shape almost two years ago. ‘We started working on this house almost two years ago by contacting the company Quality Media, looking at spaces and finally selecting the most suitable one,’ says Luna. The main objective of the Dominican House is to provide a space where athletes can celebrate their victories and share special moments.
The private sector led the project, managing to convince the public sector, especially the Ministry of Tourism, which became the main sponsor. ‘The Ministry of Tourism has done an extraordinary job and is the main sponsor of this house,’ says Luna, highlighting the importance of this collaboration. He also highlights the support of the Embassy of Dominican Republic in France.
La Casa from the inside
The Casa Dominicana is not only a place of celebration, but also a place of cultural representation. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by athletics lanes symbolising the Dominican Republic’s most successful discipline. These lanes lead to a corridor with photographs of Dominican Olympic medalists, ending in an open space to share and enjoy the Olympic competitions. It is in this area that recreational activities such as darts, table football and billiards have also been installed. In addition, the Casa offers a unique gastronomic experience, with typical Dominican food and drinks, designed to make attendees feel at home in the DR, ‘We have a gastronomic experience that aims to make attendees feel at home,’ explains Luna.
Aiming for Triumph
One of the Dominican House’s greatest prides is its view of the iconic Arc de Triomphe. ‘Being close to and being able to take a selfie with the Arc de Triomphe has an incomparable meaning,’ says Luna. This setting not only celebrates the medals won, but also the fact of being in Paris 2024, an achievement in itself.
Luna is optimistic about the Dominican Republic’s medal chances at these Olympic Games. He highlights Marileidy Paulino in athletics as one of the biggest medal hopes, and mentions other disciplines such as weightlifting, boxing, taekwondo and judo. ‘I want to be humble and be reserved in predicting our medal chances,’ says Luna, holding out hope for success for Dominican athletes.
Can I go?
The Dominican House is open to the public and everyone is invited to visit. ‘We invite everyone, just write to Instagram @cresord to book a moment you want to enjoy with us,’ says Luna. Athletes have already received this house with enthusiasm and many visit it regularly, especially enjoying the gaming and billiards area. Now all that’s left is for you to feel excited about visiting the Dominican House.
The Dominican House in Paris 2024 is a symbol of pride and celebration for Dominicans, a place where athletes’ achievements can be enjoyed and shared in an environment that reflects the rich culture and hospitality so characteristic of the Dominican Republic.