Milton Ray Guevara spoke about the importance of sport for good health in one of the series of lectures ©Dominican Republic NOC

Leading judge Milton Ray Guevara has cited the importance of sport as a fundamental right and a tool to boost public health in the first of a series of lectures taking place to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dominican Republic Olympic Committee (COD).

Guevara, the President of the Constitutional Court, gave a lecture entitled "Constitution and Sport".

He claimed sport is one of five key rights of any citizen, along with housing, social security, health, work and education," the official said.

"Everyone has the right to physical education, sports and recreation.

"The State, in collaboration with schools and sports, promote, encourage and support the practice and dissemination of these activities and organisations."

Officials from the Dominican Republic gather for the 70th anniversary celebrations ©Dominican Republic NOC
Officials from the Dominican Republic gather for the 70th anniversary celebrations ©Dominican Republic NOC

The COD was set-up in 1946, with athletes from the nation first competing at an Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964.

They have competed in every Summer Games since, winning three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal in athletics, boxing, taekwondo.

Santa Domingo also hosted the 2003 Pan American Games, something credited for helping drive sporting development.

COD President Luis Mejía was also present during the lecture, thanking Luis Elpidio Cumba, director of the Dominican Olympic Academy, and COD advisor Nelly Manuel Doñé for helping organise the event.

Other activities will include an Olympic gala in July, during which the best athletes of 2015 will be honoured.

Guevara also donated a collection of his publications to the NOC library following his lecture.

Former COD President José Joaquín Puello is also standing as a contender to replace Julio Maglione as President of the Pan American Sports Organization.