OWWA Cup opens in Kuwait, unites Filipino communities through sports

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 5: The first-ever OWWA Cup in Kuwait kicked off with a vibrant display of sportsmanship, teamwork and camaraderie as members of various Filipino communities gathered for the opening activities on Oct 23, 2026 at Argan Bedaya in Sabah Al-Salem.

Dubbed “OWWA Cup: Ang Liga ng OFW 2026,” the sporting event brought together overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from different community groups to compete in cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball, providing an avenue for Filipinos to showcase their athletic abilities and strengthen their bonds outside the workplace.

The opening activities began with the registration of participating teams, which had previously registered through a QR code system, followed by an opening program attended by Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Jose A. Cabrera III, newly appointed Labor Attaché Sofia E. Matote, OWWA Welfare Officers Lorna R. Obedoza and Emmanuel Santiago C. Diaz, Philippine Embassy officials and members of the OWWA On-site Welfare Office team.

A ceremonial lighting of the torch marked the official opening of the tournament, symbolizing the beginning of the sporting festivities and the spirit of unity among the participating Filipino communities.

The ceremony also featured a parade of participating teams representing the basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading competitions, setting an energetic tone for the much-anticipated tournament.

The cheerleading competition followed, with five teams taking part in the opening-day contest, showcasing their creativity, coordination, synchronized routines, and team spirit before fellow OFWs and guests.

The volleyball and basketball tournaments are scheduled to continue every Friday until Nov. 13, giving participating teams several opportunities to demonstrate their skills and compete for the championship titles.

The winners of the cheerleading, volleyball, and basketball competitions will be recognized during an awarding ceremony on Nov. 20, to be held alongside the Alagang OWWA Serbisyo Caravan, which will bring welfare services closer to the Filipino community in Kuwait.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the OWWA Cup aims to promote solidarity, friendship, and active community participation among Filipinos working and residing in Kuwait. It also provides an opportunity for OFWs to connect with fellow Filipinos, nurture their talents, and engage in recreational activities beyond their professional commitments.

Through initiatives such as the OWWA Cup, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration continues to strengthen its community engagement efforts and promote the welfare and social well-being of Filipinos overseas.

As the tournament progresses, participating teams and their supporters are expected to bring more excitement to the succeeding matches, all united by the event's central message: coming together through sports and building stronger Filipino communities in Kuwait.

“OWWA Cup: Sama-sama sa laro, nagkakaisa sa bawat laban.”