Before every season, an annual rally held at the amphitheater for this year, signals the start of the Green and White athletes’ UAAP quest. For this year, Friday the 13th marked the start of good fortune for all the squads of DLSU.
The Animo Rally 2012 may be different from the previous rallies, where rookies do impromptu presentations; still, the essence of the event remains the same.
This year’s rally was preceded by publicity citing the theme, “Keep the Animo Burning”, referring to the Animo spirit ideally possessed by all Lasallians.
“I thought there was more spirit,” said Br. Bernie Oca FSC, commending the good showcase of talents exhibited by the rookies as compared to previous years. “Overall, I felt that there was a very very strong Animo.”
Br. Oca, during the event, asked a resounding question to the athletes, “Are we going to win the General Championship?” His call was met by resounding exuberance.
Upbringing the Animo spirit
The program started with the standard parade of athletes, through the rookie performances, then followed by a performance by their seniors.
A tribute was noticeably given to Green Batter Paolo Mallari, who had passed away last summer. Mallari was described by his teammates and friends as a man who walks the talk.
JV Casio and Tony Atayde, both prestigious DLSU alumni and big names in the sports world, also shared insights and gave words of wisdoms for all Lasallians.
The main event was the lighting of torch, and the burning of the commitments written by the athletes after the Mass held in the morning.
Animo Squad’s stunning routines and the Alma Mater Hymn ended the lively event.
Essence of the Animo Rally
“The community will finally get to know the rookies, and a (good) get together of all the athletes of La Salle. I think it shows here the support of the community that as athletes we have a community at our back and they showed their support today,” said Men’s basketball rookie Jeron Teng.
“For the students, kailangan makita yung mga athletes just to pump up the players,” said the former King Archer Casio.
It is not just about roars, cheers, and hymns; beyond the athletes’ oath and burned commitments and the torch lighting is the will to win in every single match of the season.
More than just the prepared colorful costumes and perfomances is the drive towards the first ever UAAP General Championship of DLSU.
Will this Animo Rally start things towards a greater goal? We can only wait and see.
More photos will be posted at our facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150974379564760.432910.149678604759&type=1
