The ALBA Games (Spanish: Juegos Deportivos del ALBA) are a multi-sport event organized by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas (ALBA). The games are held once every two years.[1] It was originally intended only for athletes of the ALBA member states but it has expanded to other countries in the Americas.
The first edition was held in 2005 in Havana, Cuba. Since then it was decided that Cuba and Venezuela will be switching editions every two years. However, there is a possibility that other countries may host the games in future editions.[2]
Amid the international isolation Russia is facing due to the invasion of Ukraine, ALBA invited Russia to participate at the 2023 Games.[3] Russia sent 48 athletes to the 2023 ALBA Games and competed under its national flag.
ALBA's 10 member states are Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Venezuela.
| Year | Games | Host City | Host Country | Dates | Athletes | Nations | Sports | Top Medalling Nation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | Havana | 17 June – 30 June | 441 | 8 | 31 | ||
| 2007 | 2 | Caracas | 27 April – 12 May | 1,659 | 30 | 38 | ||
| 2009 | 3 | Havana | 15 April – 18 April | 691 | 28 | 38 | ||
| 2011 | 4 | Barquisimeto | 17 July – 30 July | ~2,500 | ~23 | 35 | ||
| 2013 | - | Quito | June – July | colspan=4 | ||||
| 2015 | - | Cochabamba | August – September | colspan=4 | ||||
| 2023 | 5 | Caracas | 21–29 April | ~3,500 | 11 | 33 | ||
| 2025 | 6 | Roseau | 3–20 July | |||||
The athletes marched on behalf of their respective delegations representing Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Nicaragua, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela. Russia was due to take part in boxing, beach volleyball, karate, table tennis, trampolining, weightlifting and rhythmic gymnastics. The Games were set to see approximately 3,500 athletes from 11 countries compete in 35 sports. Russian athletes were invited as special guests thanks to an agreement signed by Russia and Venezuela in October 2021.[4] Russia sent 48 athletes to the 2023 ALBA Games and competed under its national flag. Athletes from host nation Venezuela won the most medals.[5]
As of 2011 – note that records for the 2005 Games are incomplete.The 2023 ALBA Games medal table.[6]