UAAP S85 to kick off with a double-header basketball game as they launch the full calendar season with 60 events and 21 sports.
Less than two weeks before the official start of UAAP S85 at the Mall of Asia Arena, the collegiate league says it is more than ready to open the new season starting with the men's basketball tournament on Saturday, October 1.
A strong double-header will open the tournament according to UAAP Season 85 president Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, of host Adamson University, as Adamson will face the UST Growling Tigers for the opening game at 2 pm, followed by defending champion UP Fighting Maroons going against the La Salle Green Archers at 4 pm.
Two more games will be played the following day, October 2, starting with the UE Red Warriors playing against the NU Bulldogs, while the Ateneo Blue Eagles will face the FEU Tamaraws at 4 pm.
After two long years, the UAAP is finally ready to return to a full calendar schedule and will “Rise as One” by staging 60 events in 21 sports under this “better normal” situation according to Fr. Suan and executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.
However, despite efforts to bring back all the traditional practices, the UAAP still opted to do a pre-recorded opening ceremonies which will start at 12:30 p.m. and will be aired by Cignal TV along with the rest of the games.
“You have to remember, these things do not happen overnight. The hosts have planned this way before. To be fair to [them], they had to make the decision at the time,” Saguisag explained at the online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, September 20.
With the full calendar ahead, other sports will now be returning to the collegiate league including 3x3 basketball, badminton, chess, table tennis, beach volley, swimming, athletics, cheer dance, judo, taekwondo, football, volleyball, fencing, softball, baseball, football, tennis and street dance.
“But the protocols will still be there (like weekly testing). Every venue will have its own requirements,” said Saguisag and added that basketball venues like the MOA Arena and Araneta Coliseum will still implement restrictions.
Tags: #UAAP, #college, #sports