How much is enough to make one grand event linger in the mind? Would fireworks display meeting the setting sun’s glory be enough, or would 5,000 field demonstrators steal one’s memory of 8,000 delegates from across the country?
Nothing can be said enough to describe the immense State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) National Games 2017.
Basking in the sun, 8000 delegates gathered at Batangas port and endured the walk as the yearly event opened on Sunday, February 19, at Province of Batangas Exhibition Center.
From across the country, eighteen regional representations filled the venue. These are regions I, II,III, IVA, IVB,V, VI,VII, VIII,IX,X,XI,XII,NIR,NCR,CAR, ARMM, and CARAGA.
Losing oneself, in any athelete’s mind, to the dense crowd who cheered is more than expected. 8,000 delegates were almost equal to the 5,000 student supporters from Batangas State University (BATSU) Integrated School.
The high school students would be much eager to take part in the government-sponsored event once they go to college.
It appeared to have double purpose as Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas revealed earlier in his speech that any athlete from the host province will receive a scholarship, if championship is secured.
More incentives, not just for the students but for the entire delegation, were presented by PASUC Vice President Jessie Zamora who noted at the outset that respect and humility are some of the key things that build the spirit of cooperation toward internationalization.
His emphasis on the idea is aligned with the core principle upheld by the national games: “Paving the Path towards Internationalization through Sports.”
Different participants introduced by PASUC Regional Director were enthralled by Sen. Sonny Angara’s citation, most importantly, of Michael Jordan’s advice: “I have failed over and over in my life that is why I succeeded.”
Senator Angara gave more than the needed inspiration during his speech. His revelation of the senate’s approval of the 8-million fund to make SUCs provide free education is something that underscores the present government’s support to learning especially in the 21st century.
A much clearer perspective is also given to sports as he continued mentioning that the sports authority will be giving a minimum of 5 million more for each SUC.
The keynote speaker’s advocacy was punctuated by the idea on the complimentary force to education that makes it successful: “Make sports a priority amidst scarce resources…as it could better individuals… by virtue of training.”
A particular grandness of a particular gathering does not simply linger because of the numbers that go with the sparkling lights at the end of the program. It stays because it is where any virtue could be passed by anyone to promote the common good.
The senator graced the event along with PASUC President Ricardo Rotoras, Batangas State University (BATSU) President Tirso A. Ronquillo, Cebu Technological University (CTU) President Rosein A. Ancheta Jr. and other SUC heads. UPO
