The event is used to pay tribute to the country's top athletes, with particular focus this year on Félix Sánchez, the double Olympic 400 metres hurdles champion.

He won his gold medals at Athens 2004 and London 2012, with the country only having won one more gold medal in its history.

That was claimed by boxer Manuel Felix Diaz, who triumphed in the men's light welterweight class at Beijing 2008.

Sánchez was awarded a commemorative plaque at the Gala for his contribution to sport in the Dominican Republic.

It was presented by the COD President Luis Mejia Oviedo, who was joined by the country's Sports Minister Danilo Díaz and the chairman of the "Creating Olympic Dreams" programme, Felipe Vicini.

Other Olympic medallists from the country were also present, alongside those who have made the podium at World Championships, the Pan American Games and the Central American Games.

The former President of the Dominican Boxing Federation, Bienvenido Solano, was honoured for 40 years’ service to his sport.

At Rio 2016, the Dominican Republic won a solitary bronze medal.

That came courtesy of taekwondo player Luisito Pie, who beat Jesús Tortosa of Spain via golden point to secure third place in the men's 58kg division.