2026 University Sports Games Inaugurated: The great gathering of young talent in the country
With a display of energy and commitment, the Vice President of the Republic, Raquel Peña, together with the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kelvin Cruz, officially kicked off the 2026 University Sports Games. This sporting event, which is consolidated as a fundamental pillar for Dominican youth, brings together more than 2,300 athletes from 23 universities nationwide.
The opening ceremony took place at the Volleyball Pavilion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center, marking the beginning of an intense day of competition that will unfold at various strategic locations across the country.
Competition disciplines and venues
Student-athletes will demonstrate their skills in a wide variety of disciplines, including chess, track and field, basketball, baseball, soccer, futsal, judo, karate, swimming, softball, weightlifting, taekwondo, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, and beach volleyball.
For the execution of these games, high-level facilities have been enabled. The Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD) will serve as the main venue, supported by other key locations such as the facilities of ISFODOSU, UNPHU, the Naco Sports Club, the Calero Club, and the Eugenio María de Hostos and Güibia parks.
Young athletes, never abandon your studies. The union of education and sports is the perfect formula for you to become good men and women for the country.
Raquel Peña, Vice President of the Republic
A commitment to academic and athletic development
Minister Kelvin Cruz highlighted that the success of this edition lies in the notable increase in participants, which reflects the central government’s support for the promotion of sports. Cruz emphasized that these games, resumed by the Ministry of Sports, seek to strengthen the essential link between academic training and physical activity.
“We are already giving the country the opportunity to enjoy, for the second consecutive year, the rescue of these University Games. Games that are here to stay,” stated the head of Sports during his speech.
Participating institutions
- Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD)
- Iberoamerican University (UNIBE)
- Santo Domingo Institute of Technology (INTEC)
- Pontifical Catholic University Madre y Maestra (PUCMM)
- APEC University (UNAPEC)
- National University Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU)
- Institute of Technology of the Americas (ITLA)
- Technological University of Santiago (UTESA)
- University of the Caribbean (UNICARIBE)
- Among other prominent higher education institutions in the country.
The event’s logistics are supported by the State Economic Kitchens and the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), ensuring the mobility and well-being of each of the athletes during the competition.
