Surfing debuts in Limón 2026 National Sports Games
After a wait of nearly two decades, the XLII edition of the National Games returned to Caribbean soil in Costa Rica. The province of Limón became the epicenter of Costa Rican sports officially on Monday, January 12. The games concluded on Saturday, January 24th. Remarkably, this year’s edition included the debut of the sport of surfing.
The intense competition encompassed 29 sports disciplines, including six parasports which emphasizes the inclusivity of this year’s event. Moreover, the competitions took place across six cantons of the province. As a result, the impact of the games reached every corner of the Caribbean. The following is a list of the sport disciplines represented in each canton:
• Limón (Central Canton): Boxing, basketball, baseball, judo, karate-do, and men’s soccer.
• Pococí: Women’s soccer, taekwondo, indoor volleyball, and swimming.
• Siquirres: Track, chess, and parasports events.
• Matina: Weightlifting and skating.
• Guácimo: Handball, futsal, and table tennis.
• Talamanca: Beach volleyball.
Surfing makes it debut at Playa Cocles
Surfing made its debut as an exhibition sport at “Los Juegos Nacionales Deportivos” at Playa Cocles. The natural beauty of the beach and warm welcome of the locals created a vibrant ambience and compensated for the smaller sized surf.
Surfers from Limón, Garabito, Santa Cruz, Cóbano and Talamanca showcased their talents in the historical exhibition of national surfing. To their credit, many of them compete in the National Surfing Circuit which runs each year from February to June. In fact, Playa Cocles will host this year’s first National Surfing Circuit event from February 13 -15th.
On Finals Day, Mikela Castro and Simón Ruiz took first place at the Icoder National Sports Games among 30 other Costa Rican surfers.
Focus remains on the young athletes
The 2026 National Games in Limon have honored Costa Rica’s youth and their unwavering dedication. Consequently, the event proved its value as a premier athletic showcase. This will strengthen regional development in the Caribbean and be a springboard for national pride. As it should.
Hosting the games is a significant undertaking that provides a platform for local athletes while also stimulating the regional economy and upgrading sports infrastructure. These are benefits that will last long after the final medals have been awarded.
With the Limón 2026 chapter now closed, the national sports community focuses its attention to the future. Following this year’s success, a new generation of athletes can step forward with purpose.
This cycle drives Costa Rica’s youth sports development. It keeps talent flowing. Most importantly, it strengthens the core values of discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship in communities across the nation. This can be considered to be the most valuable investment of all.
I officially declare the XLII National Games of the Limón Province 2026 closed and, according to tradition, I invite the young athletes and the sports community of the entire country to participate in the classification process to celebrate the forty-third Games with us.
~Alonso León Mena, Head of the Sports and Recreational Projects and Programs Unit of ICODER
A fresh invitation signals the start of the journey toward the 43rd National Games.
Bien hecho, Limon!
Follow the National Surfing Circuit 2026 on instagram.
