Promising to be a grand celebration of sports and camaraderie, the UWI Games, themed “Reunited. Reignited. Ready!” were officially launched on April 16 during an energetic ceremony at UWI St Augustine’s Sport and Physical Education Centre (SPEC).
This year’s event represents a comeback, as UWI Games have been on hiatus since 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the launch, UWI St Augustine Campus Principal Professor Rose-Marie Belle Antoine said the return will be an unforgettable celebration of sport, student spirit and Caribbean excellence.
She shared that more than 575 athletes and officials as well as 300 volunteers and national athletes will participate in the Games from The UWI's 17 contributing countries and five campuses.
Prof Antoine said, “The numbers are impressive, but the energy and the spirit will be even greater.
“As many of you know, sport has never been merely about medals or scores. It has traditionally been one of the ways we level the playing field, pun intended, on the international stage and make our presence felt. It is about pride, possibility, belonging and the quiet confidence that grows when people come together to strive for something bigger than themselves.”
While taking in the action from the stands, Prof Antoine also reminded spectators to reflect that every sprint, goal or boundary will tell the larger story of the Caribbean's indomitable spirit.
Whether on cricket fields, football pitches, athletic tracks or community courts, Prof Antoine expressed that sport has long served as a powerful statement that the Caribbean can punch above its weight and compete with the very best the world has to offer.
She added, “Think of athletes like Hansle Parchment, a UWI student who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, or Jehue Gordon, a gold medallist at the 2013 IAAF World Championships.
“Even distinguished honorary graduates Kirani James, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, and Brian Lara are a reminder of how their excellence uplifts their communities, their countries and the wider region.”
Deputy Principal Prof Derek Chadee, who serves as Chair of the UWI Games 2026 organising committee, said the Games speak to a renewal of spirit, connection, and shared purpose across all of the UWI campuses.
He added, “The UWI Games are not only about competition and organisation, but also about what they shape within our students. They influence identity, shape behaviour, and deepen human connection.
“Through that process, they quietly but powerfully affect how our students come to see themselves and how they learn to engage with the world around them—both during their time here and long after they leave our campus.”
Beyond the fields and courts, Prof Chadee is optimistic that interactions and shared experiences during the Games will strengthen the bonds that define the university. He welcomed all interested individuals to come out and be a spectator. Entry is free for all events.
In addition to facilities at SPEC, other venues for the games include the National Aquatic Centre, the Hasely Crawford Stadium, and the National Racquet Sport Centre.
As the countdown is on to the revival of UWI Games, The UWI is also promising an exciting campaign leading up to the event that will include a women's cricket showcase and a badminton exhibition.
