In its pursuit to defend the regional crown, DMMMSU re-ignited the depth of its athleticism and creativity during the University Sports and Cultural Olympics opening ceremony held at Jose D. Aspiras Hall in South La Union Campus on November 29, 2023.
With the theme “One DMMMSU, One Goal: Fostering Unity, Inspiring Solidarity,” the University Sports and Cultural Olympics is set to build the colony of stingers from November 29 to December 1 who will represent DMMMSU in sports and cultural events at the regional, national, and international levels.
Thriving as a Living Body
Like any organism, an academic institution is also made up of various units that act as organs of a living body. For its body to function well, these units must act cohesively, following an intricate plan to attain a desired goal.
In her opening remarks, SLUC Chancellor, Dr. Joanne C. Rivera, welcomed the competing teams with sparks of enthusiasm and reiterated the importance of seeing this university event as a thriving manifestation of unity and solidarity. Amidst the heated competition among its organs, Dr. Rivera highlighted that a living body must continuously pump for and beat with one heart to sustain its life. This is a perfect idealization of the aim of the University to pursue collective goals in the domain of sports and cultural events, recognizing student-athletes as micro-segments that comprise the whole of DMMMSU Stingers in their journey towards defending the regional crown next year.
The roll call of participating teams soon followed with Dr. Bernardo D. Lamadrid flexing the wings of the DOUS Phoenix, Dr. Junifer Rey E. Tabafunda leading the herd of the NLUC Tamaraws, Dr. Rivera awakening the nest of the SLUC Eagles, and Dr. Eduardo C. Corpuz rallying the troops of the MLUC Trojans.
The Quest for Gold
The quest is not over! DMMMSU stingers continue to unleash their never-say-die spirit!
A model of excellence in sports on the national scene, Ms. Jaya Pajarillo, Philippine Open National Arnis Championship Gold and Silver Medalist, led the Oath of Sportsmanship for participating student-athletes, followed by the Oath of Amateurism of Prof. Winstone Carrera, a national referee of the Philippine Taekwondo Association, for tournament managers, coaches, and trainers.
“Let us aspire to be number 1, DMMMSU number 1,” Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., DMMMSU President, repeatedly uttered in his message and formal declaration of the opening of games. He also emphasized the significance of the succeeding days as these are pivotal in determining the best student-athletes in the university who will don the blue and yellow in regional tournaments, as well as in national and international games.
Challenge Accepted
To represent DMMMSU is one thing; winning gold in the regional and national tournaments is another, as it requires tremendous hard work and a long tradition of greatness in various sports and cultural events.
“Gagawin namin ang lahat,” Dr. Paulo Jan Samson, the Director for Sports, responded with conviction to the challenge of the President. “I am excited to meet our players for the Regional SCUAA,” he further added.
After that, the announcement of the schedule of sports games and events happened, along with the plans for cultural events orchestrated by Dr. Rodelio V. Indong, the Director for Cultural Affairs. Meanwhile, Mr. James Anthony Occasion, the Student Regent of the University Student Council (USC), laid down the activities of the USC events for the succeeding days.
The opening of the University Sports and Cultural Olympics brought together administrators, faculty, staff, students, student-athletes, coaches, and trainers from the different campuses of DMMMSU, highlighting the unifying bond of the stingers as a colony and the collective power they hold when they sting their enemies. (By Leo Buyan)