SCUAA takes off in Iloilo Sports Complex

MANILA, Philippines - Hostilities in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) National Olympics  went full blast yesterday at the Iloilo Sports Complex and nearby venues.

Sen. Franklin Drilon, the keynote speaker during the colorful opening ceremony Sunday, urged  more than 5,000 athletes to continue to work hard  to achieve excellence in sports.

“As products of public funds, being an athlete of the SCUAA is one way of giving back to the people,” said Drilon during the  two-hour opening ceremony highlighted by the traditional parade of teams.

 Drilon also challenged  the athletes to “develop hard work, sportsmanship, and discipline.”

 Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. said that in sports, one is taught to be honest and responsible.

 Defensor also urged the participants to bring home medals not only to their schools but also to the country in the years to come.

  Dr. Patricia Licuanan, Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) commissioner,  underscored the importance of team work during her speech.

  “I’m a true believer of the value of sports in the nation. We need the value of team work that’s badly needed in our country today,” she said while emphasizing that sports events such as the SCUAA National Olympics are also avenues of discipline and hard work.  

Hosted by the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Region VI, the  week-long event  will continue until Feb. 25.

More than 5,000 delegates and officials from the 111 SUCs all over the country are taking part in the multi-sports event.

The opening ceremony included a special number from Grupo de Oeste from the College of PESCAR of West Visayas State University (WVSU), the grand champion of the Paraw Regatta samba competition for years now, the rhythm and music of the Ritmo Tambores, presentation of the Mr. and Ms. SCUAA 2012 contestants and candidates and exhibition of talents from different schools from the province and the city of Iloilo.

A 10-minute fireworks display was the finale of the event.

Venues of the games and competitions will be the  Iloilo Sports Complex, La Paz Plaza and Pavia football grounds and facilities of the hosting schools.