CESAFI Season 24 kicks off with grand ceremony today

CEBU , Philippines — The highly anticipated  Season 24 of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) will kick off with a glamorous opening ceremony at 1 p.m. today, September 21, at the Cebu Coliseum.

“We are pulling out all the stops to ensure another thrilling and memorable year of top level competition showcasing the skills of our athletes while at the same time fostering camaraderie among alumni and fans,” said CESAFI Commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr.

Bearing the theme “Champions of Gold, Embracing Nature”, CESAFI President Atty. Paulino Yabao of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) will declare the official opening of the new season, which will tip off with its centerpiece basketball tournament as per tradition.

Before the hardcourt battle, an elaborate rites will take place highlighted by the selection of Miss CESAFI 2024 in both high school and college divisions and the recognition of CESAFI Olympians in Elreen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza, who represented the Philippines in weightlifting event of last month’s Paris Olympics in France.

“We want to put into the spotlight not only the diverse talents of our athletes but also the unity, excellence, and sportsmanship that the CESAFI is known for,” Tiukinhoy added.

Teams from the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) will touch down the floor first in the opening double-header.

The CRMC Baby Mustangs will make their debut in Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league against the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons in the preliminary match at 4 p.m., while their big brothers in college will take on the Benedicto College Cheetahs in the main game at 6 p.m.

In all, nine teams bannered by two-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will see action in the collegiate division.

Out to dislodge the Grand Slam-seeking Lancers from their throne are the USPF Panthers, University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons, University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, and Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats.

In high school category, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles are setting their sights on another three-peat, which they previously achieved from 2014 to 2016.

The Magis Eagles are expected to face tough challenge against CEC, USC, CIT-U, USPF, USJ-R, UV, Don Bosco Greywolves, and the Benedicto College Baby Cheetahs and CRMC Baby Mustangs who are both set for their maiden showing in the CESAFI.