“For Everyone, UAAP.”
That is the theme of the upcoming season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP), which was announced following the passing of hosting duties during the closing ceremony of season 88 on Friday, May 15.
In his acceptance speech, Far Eastern University (FEU) President Juan Miguel Montinola, who will sit as season 89 chairman, said that opening and closing ceremonies during the season were “upped the game” by host University of Santo Tomas (UST).
“And I commit to you that we will try and keep up (with UST),” he jokingly said.
On serious note, he said, “The mantra of the UAAP is holistic education, including sports development, sportsmanship, and fair competition. We are happy to note that all eight schools achieved their championships across the 60 events in the UAAP.”
“This is a manifestation of good competition and fair competition,” he stressed.
Montinola also took time to recognize student-athletes who participated in international sport tournaments, such as the FIBA Women’s Basketball 3-on-3 and the FIDE World Team Women’s Championships, where the entire roster were from current UAAP teams.
“The league continues to evolve with the adoption of new events,” he added, mentioning the likes of Junior High School events, rapid chess, and 3-on-3 basketball as “standard events,” as well as e-games and golf as demonstration sports.
“FEU now humbly accepts the hosting of season 89 and aspires to continue elevating the student-athlete experience. UAAP is truly for everyone,” he concluded his speech as he received the flag of the association in the ceremonial transfer of hosting duties.
Meanwhile, at the said event, the university also dropped a special teaser video to drum up excitement for the upcoming season later this year.
In which, student athletes from various sports were highlighted. But the main draw of the nearly two-minute long video was the appearance of showbiz icons, TV host-actor Vice Ganda and rapper Gloc-9.