Unleashing the Soul of Sports

November 24, 2009

FOR THE past three decades, five state universities and a college have been coming together for one big event. This is to celebrate the love for sports, show of camaraderie, and true sportsmanship. For schools aren’t just venues to cultivate the mind; they are also avenue to hone the talents and skills of the body. Clearly, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), and Pangasinan State University (PSU) not only understand this concept, but are also out it to act.

This year, it is MMSU that is hosting the State College and Universities and Athletic Association (SCUAA) Region I Meet. The presidents of the five participating schools, including Governor Michael Marcos Keon, and Batac Mayor Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta extend their messages to the delegates.

\"It is time once more to let our young athletes take center stage and watch future stars of sports rise from this year’s crop of competitors.\" –Hon. Michael Marcos Keon, Ilocos Norte Governor

\"We’ve always regarded that sports competitions such as this have become the spawning ground of caliber athletes who maybe included in the pool of national and international competitions\" –Dr. Rafael B. Querubin, ISPSC President

\"May our theme this year, \"SCUAA: Zooming for Sports Excellence\", inspire us all to strive for the ‘highest, fastest and strongest.\" –Florentina S. Dumlao, DMMMSU OIC President

True, that these athletes are the so-called cream of the crop. They have gone this far because of their hard work and determination. With their rigorous training sessions, all will be aiming for the gold; all will give a good fight. But it is not just the medals, trophies, and praises that the athletes will gain from the games. The SCUAA-I Meet gives them more than that.

Sportsmanship is the real and noble name of the game but is often forgotten. Ilokanos are described by MMSU President Miriam E. Pascua as resilient, prudent, and ethical - characteristics that make them competitive in this field. Sports has already been a permanent part of our culture. Thus, each is expected to exemplify its objective.

\"In life as in sports, excellence is measured, not by the quantity of medals and trophies one has acquired, by the extent a person, in synergy with his fellowmen, hurdles life’s challenges.\"–Miriam E. Pascua, MMSU President

\"We are gathering together to pursue the tradition of camaraderie and friendship through sports as we have so established. Let us, therefore , cherish and nurture the spirit of cooperation and solidarity.\"-Lauro B. Tacbas, UNP President

\"Bear in mind that in every competition, there will always be winners and losers, but what is important is the heart that you give in every game.\" –Victoriano C. Estira, PSU President

Winning is not actually the best part of the game, but the journey and the process, wherein after this tiring event, you’ll realize that you are a better person. Having sporty friends added to your Christmas list, the thrill of visiting a new place, and the joy of engaging into your favorite. Sports was established and made as an annual event for students for them to learn the real value of sportsmanship and camaraderie, discipline and unity.

And so, along with the awards and recognition the athletes will take home, they shall bring with them the experience of Ilokano hospitality, that they are all known for and proud of.

\"In the five days that you will be here, rest assured that with the inimitable brand of hospitality of the host, Mariano Marcos State University, and the gracious welcome of the People of Batac, you will feel very much at home.\" –Hon. Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta, Batac City Mayor

Thanks for having the past as a reference of this activity of survival, strength, and brains, as it exudes the better, gracing the normal and unleashing the prowess. The state universities and colleges that consigned with this sports event have proven that learning is beyond the four corners of the classroom, and that the athletes have surpassed themselves each year of engagement of such event. (Eloiza Felipe and Mia Paz)