Cayman to host regional schools for 2026 CISA Tournament
22 Apr 2026
Student-athletes from across the Caribbean arrive on Grand Cayman this week as the Caribbean International Schools Association (CISA) Tournament returns, bringing four days of competition, camaraderie and cultural exchange to the island from 22 to 25 April.
Hosted at Cayman International School (CIS), the 2026 tournament will feature 26 teams competing in boys’ and girls’ divisions across football, basketball and volleyball.
Schools from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands are set to participate, making it one of the region’s premier inter-school sporting events.
The competition begins Wednesday, 22 April — with opening ceremonies followed by pool play — and continues through Saturday, 25 April, when finals, consolation matches and award presentations will take place.
“This is a significant moment for our school and the wider Cayman community,” said Jared Joiner, CIS athletics director. “To host a tournament of this scale is both an honour and a responsibility. It’s an opportunity to showcase our facilities, our students and our commitment to educational athletics, while welcoming teams from across the region.”
The CISA Tournament is designed to promote fair play, sportsmanship and respect while encouraging physical activity, teamwork and friendship among participating schools. Organisers say the event goes beyond competition, creating a platform where students can connect across cultures and build lasting relationships.
Basketball games will be held at the Arts & Recreation Centre, while volleyball matches will take place in the CIS gymnasium. Football competitions will be played on the Camana Bay Sports Complex - Field 1 as well as a newly developed Camana Bay Sports Complex - Field 2 near the National Gallery, allowing multiple matches to run concurrently throughout the tournament.
Participating schools include the Carol Morgan School (Dominican Republic), the Baldwin School (Puerto Rico), the International School of Port of Spain and Maple Leaf International School (Trinidad and Tobago), as well as Cayman-based schools CIS and St. Ignatius Catholic School, and local clubs Women of Valor and Infinity.
The tournament format includes two days of pool play, followed by quarterfinal and semifinal rounds on Friday, 24 April, and championship matches on the final day. Each sport features both boys’ and girls’ teams, with four teams competing in boys’ and girls’ basketball and football, and four boys’ and six girls’ teams participating in volleyball.
Joiner said the event reflects the broader goals of CISA, which aims to enhance the development of student-athletes through sport.
“At its core, this tournament is about more than wins and losses,” he said. “It’s about creating an environment where students can challenge themselves, support one another and grow both on and off the field. Those are experiences that stay with them long after the tournament ends.”
CIS earned one championship, one bronze medal and featured a handful of standout performances at the 2025 tournament, held in the Dominican Republic. Former CIS student-athlete Ava Degrand was named girls’ football tournament MVP, final MVP and top goal scorer in the competition while also being selected to the CISA Dream Teams in both football and volleyball.
With teams arriving from across the region and multiple venues in use, organisers expect a busy and energetic four days of sport, with students, coaches and supporters coming together in a shared celebration of athletics and community.
To host a tournament of this scale is both an honour and a responsibility. It’s an opportunity to showcase our facilities, our students and our commitment to educational athletics, while welcoming teams from across the region.
