The 28th UWI Games – the region’s largest multi sporting event – officially began Tuesday, May 21 at the University of the West Indies, Mona Bowl, on a note of peace and intercampus unity, anchored for the first time, on the launch of an anti violence campaign.
 
Five hundred student athletes and officials from Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica are now in camp at the designated athletes’ village - Rex Nettleford Hall - which is located next to the UWI Mona Sporting Complex (Mona Bowl) to encourage bonding and peace.
 
A highlight of the opening ceremony was the pledge taken by the Captains of the three campus teams. They pledged to build peace and friendship during the games, consistent with the objectives of the Anti-Violence Campaign. Jelani Bogle of Mona, Monique James of Cave Hill and Kayon Francis of St. Augustine all “committed to peaceful and courteous interactions during the Games…on or off the field.”
 
UWI Mona Principal, Professor Gordon Shirley reinforced the theme of peace, friendship and non violence: “I want this to be the best ever games in the history of the games in terms of new bonds and friendships,” he said.
 
Some of the sporting disciplines which are being contested by student athletes are: basketball, cricket, hockey, swimming and volleyball. All of the competitions will be held on the Mona Campus, except for the swimming and hockey competitions that will be held at the National Stadium Pool and the Mona Astro Turf respectively.
 
The ten day event stands on a legacy started over three decades ago. The goal was to strengthen the connections among the campuses, to encourage understanding of the different cultures, while encouraging integration and friendly competition.
 
The Games were officially opened by 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist, Hansle Parchment and 2011 World University Games Silver Medalist, Jason Young.
 
Audience members were entertained by Tiffany Thompson and the UWI Dance Society. Ms. Thompson’s melodious and soulful rendition of international artist Fantasia’s ‘Believe’ was well received. The Dance Society danced to the musical choices of international Reggae sensations Bob Marley and Chronixx and Soca artistes, Bunji and Machel Montano. The UWI Panoridim Steel Orchestra also performed.