By Aimerose C. Atienza

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is hopeful to return to a full calendar schedule for season 85 that is set to commence on October 1 after the collegiate league conducted limited tournaments last March due to the pandemic.

UAAP season 85 President Fr. Aldrin Suan of host school Adamson University (AdU) talked about the goals and plans of the league in line with the ‘new normal’ setting.

“Our student-athletes have been waiting for their moment, some yet to return to the playing field since 2019… Together with Cignal, we are hoping and praying that we are allowed to have the full calendar back this season,” he said.

Last season, the collegiate league only raised its curtains to seven tournaments including men’s basketball, women’s volleyball, cheerdance, men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball, men’s beach volleyball, poomsae, and chess.

The most-awaited season 85 also sought to revive the league’s original game days on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays after the season 84 adjustment to conduct games on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Aside from bringing back the pre-pandemic traditions, AdU wants to establish new practices for the UAAP comeback.

“This season, we are also not just looking to have accomplished a 'good hosting year' for Adamson University but begin traditions that will be passed on from host to host for seasons to come,” Fr. Suan stated.

Bannering the theme “Rise As One”, UAAP season 85 calls the whole community to rise as one amid the challenges brought by the pandemic in the past years.

“After the last UAAP Season made us Fully Alive and created Champions for Life, UAAP Season 85 is hoping to call the entire community to Rise As One… It's been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic happened and has yet to end. Together, we are looking to rise as a nation, helping build a better future for a brighter tomorrow,” Fr. Suan said.

The UAAP will release the tournaments and events calendar of the first semester sports later this month.

(Photo courtesy of One Sports)