Bogotá, Colombia – Registration opens this Thursday for the 2026 National Intercollegiate Games, a nationwide program designed to foster athletic development among Colombian youth. The Ministry of Sport announced the opening of registration, aiming to engage a significant number of student-athletes across the country.
The Juegos Intercolegiados Nacionales, as the games are known locally, are open to all school-aged children and adolescents between the ages of 7 and 17. This year’s edition follows a period of public consultation to determine the sports and para-sports included in the competition, ensuring broad participation and relevance.
A diverse range of disciplines will be contested, including basketball, futsal (indoor soccer), volleyball, handball, 3×3 basketball, athletics, integrated chess, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, boxing, karate do, judo, weightlifting, para-athletics, soccer, indoor soccer, badminton, road cycling, skating, and boccia. The inclusion of para-sports underscores the Ministry’s commitment to inclusivity and providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
The Ministry of Sport intends to bring the Games to all 32 departments of Colombia, with an ambitious goal of involving 600,000 student-athletes and coaches from 9,600 educational institutions across 1,120 municipalities and non-municipalized areas. This represents a substantial investment in grassroots sports development, building on four years of consistent government support for youth athletics.
Minister of Sport Patricia Duque highlighted the financial commitment to the program, stating that 64.5 billion Colombian pesos ($16.4 million USD – *conversion rate as of March 10, 2026*) will be allocated to all phases of the Games. This investment will also ensure Colombia’s participation in the XXX South American School Games, organized by the South American Sports Council (Consude). Duque emphasized the Games’ role in the “integral development of our children, girls and adolescents.”
This marks the fourth consecutive year the national government has fully supported the Games, resulting in the participation of 2 million athletes from all regions of the country. Local sports authorities in Manizales and Caldas are awaiting instructions from Mindeporte (the Ministry of Sport) to implement policies aligned with the national program.
Registration for the Juegos Intercolegiados Nacionales will be conducted online through the official website: www.juegosintercolegiados.gov.co. Educational institutions and organizations serving athletes with disabilities can register their representatives through this portal.
The initiative builds on a recent public consultation, launched in February 2026, where the Ministry sought feedback on the criteria for participation in various sports and para-sports. This consultation process, according to the Ministry, strengthens the program’s focus on promoting school sports and ensuring transparency in decision-making.
The criteria considered during the consultation included the number of participants in each sport within educational institutions, international participation records, and technical feasibility. Emphasis was also placed on ensuring equal opportunities for all children and adolescents, regardless of ability.
For schools and organizations preparing to register, it’s critical to note the Games aim to provide a platform for both competitive excellence and personal growth. The Ministry of Sport views the Juegos Intercolegiados Nacionales as a cornerstone of Colombia’s long-term sports development strategy, fostering a new generation of athletes and promoting a culture of physical activity throughout the nation.
The upcoming Games represent a significant opportunity for young athletes across Colombia to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and experience the benefits of competitive sport. With registration now open, the focus shifts to encouraging widespread participation and ensuring a successful and inclusive event.
What’s Next: Schools and organizations should visit www.juegosintercolegiados.gov.co to begin the registration process. The Ministry of Sport is expected to release further details regarding the competition schedule and logistical arrangements in the coming weeks.
