2,500 athletes to see action in 24th UNIGAMES

More than 2,500 student-athletes from 34 participating schools in the country will see action in the 24th Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES) to be hosted by the University of San Agustin (USA) in Iloilo City from Oct. 20 to 27, 2019. 

Themed “The Games that bring us together for Unity and Peace,” the week-long event will feature various sports disciplines – men’s and women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s beach volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s football, and men’s and women’s athletics. 

To recall, USA also successfully hosted the 19th UniGames last Oct. 20-28, 2014. Last year, Dumaguete hosted the national event. 

Arellano University, Philippine Normal University, Wesleyan University of Nueva Ecija, St. Joseph College of Bulacan, San Pedro College of Davao, and Philippine State College of Aeronautics of Pasay City are among the participating schools. 

Negros Occidental-based schools are also expected to see action – University of St. La Salle, West Negros University, Riverside College, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, VMA Global College, and Central Philippine State University.

Hercor College of Roxas City, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Iloilo Doctor’s College, USA, Western Institute and Technology, and Central Philippine University are also expected to banner the region’s delegations.

According to UniGames President Roger Banzuela, the annual event gives Visayas and Mindanao teams an avenue to excel in competitive sports. “This UniGames will surely develop their skills. We’re prioritizing province schools to be exposed in various games. This year, expect more thrilling matches, especially in volleyball and football. Some teams in Manila can’t join us because of the UAAP Season where they are also playing. But with these line up of schools, surely, it can entertain the Ilonggos and other provinces,” he shared. 

Meanwhile, Collegiate Grand Slam Cup which is hosted by the Philippine Super Liga will collaborate with this year’s UNIGAMES. For the second straight conference, the CGS renamed their tournament into the CGS 2nd Dominic Sytin Cup, in commemoration of the slain benefactor of the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, Dominic Sytin.

Sytin, who was the founder and CEO of United Auctioneers Inc., was shot dead last year and was the main sponsor of UP upon joining CGS.

The women’s volleyball competition will be called 2019 UNIGAMES- Collegiate Grand Slam 2nd Dominic Sytin Cup.IMT