NAASCU 10th season unfolds in 2 venues

MANILA, Philippines - The 10th season of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) kicks off on July 30 in two different venues with basketball competitions to kick off hostilities at the Rizall Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Twelve teams are competing in the centerpiece basketball event, led by defending champion San Sebastian Cavite. The other teams are New Era University, St. Claire, University of Taguig, University of Manila, University of Makati, AMA Computer College, STI, Informatics, Pamantasan Lunsod ng Pasay, Our Lady of Fatima in Valenzuela and Lyceum of Subic.

Other events on tap are volleyball, billiards, track and field, badminton, table tennis, taekwondo, handball and duathlon.

Also on tap is the cheerdance competition among the participating schools, colleges and universities.

“As usual, we expect another big year for NAASCU,” said Atty. Ernesto delos Santos, NAASCU chairman, during yesterday’s PSA Forum.

“In the opening games of basketball alone, we expect as many as 12,000 students to show up. We always have an overflow crowd. That’s the usual thing at NAASCU,” he said.

Dr. Jay Adalem, NAASCU president, said the league will have “Education Through Sports” as this year’s theme with competition in the junior level also on tap. He added that college players may compete in the division as long as they meet the age requirement.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Harry Angping will be the guest of honor during the opening ceremonies while Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno will be the keynote speaker.