By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — Garabito, Puntarenas, has officially submitted its bid for the prestigious title of American City of Sport 2026. The canton recently hosted international observers from Spain, Chile, Mexico, and Colombia, showcasing its commitment to becoming a premier sports destination.
Mayor Francisco González Madrigal highlighted the “Garabito Sports City” program, an initiative focused on developing state-of-the-art sports infrastructure. The goal is to transform Garabito into a high-performance training center and a breeding ground for elite athletes. Winning the award would connect Garabito with a network of over 6,000 cities worldwide, providing invaluable exposure for the region and its athletes.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business implications surrounding Garabito Sports City, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the reputable firm, Bufete de Costa Rica.
The development of Garabito Sports City presents significant opportunities, but also potential legal complexities. Key considerations include ensuring compliance with zoning regulations, securing necessary environmental permits, and establishing clear ownership structures for the various sporting facilities. Careful planning and execution are crucial to navigating these challenges and realizing the project’s full potential.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial balance between opportunity and responsibility in a project of this scale. Successfully navigating the legal and regulatory landscape will be paramount to ensuring the Garabito Sports City becomes a sustainable and valuable asset for the community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his expert perspective on these vital considerations.
The American City of Sport award is bestowed by ACES, an international organization collaborating with UNESCO and headquartered in the European Parliament. The winner will be announced in mid-September.
The Garabito Sports City project, first reported by CR Hoy in November 2024, aims to position the canton as a host for major sporting events. The initiative goes beyond leveraging the area’s natural attractions, focusing on creating facilities for a diverse range of disciplines.
What we’re aiming for is to run out of hotel rooms, to empty the restaurants and supermarket shelves. That’s why we’re developing these sporting events somewhat aggressively. We won’t just have two events a year, but 12. We have 10 more high-level events to present, in which the local government will make a significant investment.
Francisco González Madrigal, Mayor of Garabito
This ambitious vision underscores Garabito’s proactive approach to sports tourism. The municipality believes that hosting numerous sporting events throughout the year will significantly boost the local economy, benefiting businesses and creating opportunities for residents.
The development of Garabito Sports City promises to elevate the canton’s profile on the international sports stage. By attracting athletes and visitors from around the globe, Garabito seeks to solidify its position as a vibrant sports hub in Costa Rica and beyond.
The mid-September announcement will reveal whether Garabito’s ambitious vision will be recognized with the coveted American City of Sport title for 2026.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ACES
About ACES:
ACES (which stands for something) is an international organization headquartered in the European Parliament working in conjunction with UNESCO to designate cities as American Cities of Sport, based on factors related to sports, health, and tourism. Its network includes over 6,000 cities worldwide.
For further information, visit the Municipality of Garabito
About Municipality of Garabito:
The Municipality of Garabito, located in the province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica, is actively developing its sports tourism sector through the Garabito Sports City program. Led by Mayor Francisco González Madrigal, the municipality aims to attract major sporting events and become a leading sports destination in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its proactive approach to legal education and outreach, ensuring that individuals and communities are equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate the legal landscape effectively and confidently. This dedication to transparency and accessibility reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s unwavering belief in a just and informed society.
