GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Season 82 a banner year for the league, says UAAP President
The country's premiere collegiate sports league, the University Athletics Association of the Philippines begins Season 82 today, September 1, with the opening ceremonies slated on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m.
Ateneo de Manila University will host this season, which has the theme "All for More."
In a press conference held Sunday morning at the Mall of Asia Arena, UAAP President and Ateneo Athletic Director Emmanuel Fernandez says "All for More" means not just playing for your team. "All for more is not just playing for your team, but also for the country," he added.
Fernandez also considers UAAP Season 82 as a banner year for the league as some UAAP student-athletes will also represent the country in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. The said athletes will be in the opening ceremony this afternoon.
With the SEA Games is happening late November, the league adjusted its schedule with an additional basketball game during Wednesdays, during which triple headers will be held.
Weekend games remain at two per day. "As seen this year, we have to fix our schedule to accommodate the SEA Games. It will be a hectic schedule for us as we will finish the games before the start of the SEA Games," said Fernandez. Tournaments such as fencing, judo, and athletics will also be moved to January-February next year.
Despite the adjustment in schedule, Fernandez revealed there will be new events for the league. 3x3 Basketball will now be an official sport from being a demo sport last season. Girls basketball, boys tennis, and boys and girls beach volleyball are also new events to watch out for this season.
In addition to the changes in schedule and sporting tournaments, Fernandez said the trophies for this season are made from recyclable materials and upcycled. "Hopefully, this will show that the UAAP also cares for our involvement in the community," he added.
The basketball games will start on Wednesday, September 4. — LA, GMA News
