The University of the West Indies (The UWI) commences the UWI Games 2026 with a live Opening Ceremony broadcast on UWItv this Friday, May 22 at 5:30 PM (Jamaica/EST) | 6:30 PM (Eastern Caribbean/AST), bringing the energy of the region’s premier inter-campus sporting event to audiences across the Caribbean and around the world.

Returning after a hiatus and revived with new energy, the UWI Games bring together more than 575 student athletes and officials from 17 countries across five campuses, celebrating a long-standing tradition since the 1960s.

The Opening Ceremony kicks off nine days of competition (May 21–29) across 10 sporting disciplines, as campuses unite in a week-long celebration of sport, camaraderie, and Caribbean pride.

The 90-minute live presentation from the UWI Sport and Physical Education Centre at the St. Augustine Campus will showcase a vibrant celebration of Caribbean unity and excellence, featuring the Parade of Athletes, cultural performances, official addresses, and the lighting of the UWI Games Flame—signalling the official start of competition.

Held under the theme “Reunited. Reignited. Ready.” , the Games highlight The UWI’s role in developing regional talent and fostering unity through sport, with alumni including Olympians and world champions emerging from this tradition.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles noted, “The UWI Games are the heartbeat of the UWI student experience. Their return this year is especially significant as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of our Faculty of Sport, which has served as the umbrella for organising sport programmes and advancing academic teaching and research across our university.”

Viewers can watch live via UWItv’s website, Facebook, and YouTube platforms to experience the moment in real time.

For more information, including the full Games schedule, updates, and live streaming details, visit the official UWI Games website at www.sta.uwi.edu/uwigames.