By Gio Carlo D. Castro and Joaquin Luis E. Quesada

Bannering the theme “All For More”, the highly anticipated University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) raised its curtains to 82nd season with a send-off for all of its competing student-athletes, September 1, at the Mall Of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

“We want this to be a pep rally for all student-athletes of the UAAP,” said UAAP President Emmanuel Fernandez in a statement released by the host school, Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).

The opening ceremony was highlighted by the “Oath of Sportsmanship” led by the national athletes from UAAP schools who are set to compete in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this November.

Far Eastern University (FEU) was represented by Clare Castro of the women’s basketball team, Darry Bernardo of the FEU male woodpusher and Shania Mendoza from the women’s chess team.

John Saldivar and Pocholo Bugas of the men’s football team also represented the green-and-gold community.

Original Pilipino Music (OPM) bands, Spongecola and Itchyworms, performed the official anthem of the collegiate league for this year, “Ang Ating Tagumpay”. IV of Spades, December Avenue and Autotelic also electrified the crowd with their OPM hits.

The said event also featured this year’s trophies and medals that were made from Taal’s recycled materials and from the bullet and metal scraps of the Marawi siege.

During the UAAP Press Conference, Fernandez referred to this season as a successful year prior to all the student-athletes that will partake in the SEA Games.

“This is a banner year for us. Because aside from the SEA Games, we have a lot of UAAP athletes already participating in the national team,” he said.

Moreover, Fernandez expressed that this season’s theme will not only be associated with the UAAP but also for the country.

As he put it, “So I guess this also shows that ‘All for More’ is not just playing for your team, but it is also playing for your country as seen this coming year.”

With a whole new season well underway, catch the Morayta-based teams in their respective games and witness how they embark “All For More.”

(See full album: UAAP 82 Opening Ceremony)