Photo by Tim Arafiles
WHEN THE first Olympic Games took place in Olympia in 776 BC, little did the ancient Greeks realize that it was the birth of an eternal tradition—one that would unite nations and call men and women to stand together as one in the name of sports.
In the midst of a torrential downpour, the Philippines witnessed the beginning of a new tradition when the first official inaugural ceremony representing all 16 sports of the UAAP took place at the Marikina Sports Complex last July 9.
The grand opening aimed to do one thing—to honor and recognize some 3,700 athletes, who are, of course, the heart and soul of the UAAP.
“This will be a test of heart. It is our hope and prayers that will make us braver and stronger to face not only our enemies, but someone from within,” said Ateneo de Manila University President Fr. Jett Villarin, S.J. as he addressed the throng of athletes.
The Olympic-style parade followed soon after, with each school equipped for the rain with thousands of color-coded umbrellas. It was a spectacle of colors as the athletes marched to their positions on the pitch.
The UP Fighting Maroons were first, followed by the NU Bulldogs and the UST Growling Tigers, who were wearing tiger cub caps. The FEU Tamaraws were next, followed by the UE Red Warriors, the Adamson Soaring Falcons, the De Le Salle Green Archers and finally, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, with Greg Slaughter waving the Ateneo flag.
Guiding the eight schools were eight muses, namely, Eunica Lim, Sam Rodriguez, Janna Tee, Kylie Verzosa, Kally Araneta, Cheskie Ayson, Claudia Tagle and Patty Lloren, all Ateneans and all handpicked by directors from Studio 23.
Kirk Long, accompanied by Bacon Austria, Emman Monfort, Anjo Gumila, Lambert Tenorio, El Rene Vargas III and Gabriel Castelo, led the oath of sportsmanship. The athletes pledged to “play at the best of their game and go all out and all heart” for the UAAP season.
Olsen Racela, PBA legend and former King Eagle, held the torch and lit the cauldron dressed in full blue honors. “It’s such an honor to be chosen to do this for my beloved alma mater,” said the six-time PBA champion.
Photo by Tim Arafiles
As early as 8:00 AM, the Marikina Sports Complex was all set to go, complete with ABS-CBN camera crews ready to broadcast the event live on Studio 23.
Although many questioned the venue, few wondered whether the opening would be a success. The fans had the privilege of being in close proximity to their favorite teams, creating a very open and intimate atmosphere. The rain added to the dramatic feel of the event, especially in seeing the athletes, the torch and the cauldron’s flame unaffected by the downpour.
“Despite the rain, the energy was really great and the concept was amazing,” shared Emman de los Angeles, a UST javelin thrower. According to Immar Razon of the DLSU Track and Field team, “It was great to have an opening for all sports!”
Without a doubt, the opening of UAAP Season 74 is one for the history books.
