As a new season begins, the numerous athletes that will compete and represent the Green-and-White for the upcoming 81st edition of the UAAP showcased themselves during the Animo Rally 2018 last September 4, at the 9th floor of the Enrique Razon Sports Complex.
The theme for this year’s Animo Rally is centered on the hashtag #4LaSalleYan to remember the Animo Spirit, and to honor former Lady Paddler and Olympian, Ian Lariba, who passed away last September 2.
DLSU’s former Courtside Reporter, Eileen Shi, hosted the event once more along with La Salle’s newest Courtside Reporter for Season 81, Aiyana Perlas. The program proper began with an opening prayer led by Francis Gesmundo of the Green Batters, last season’s Athlete of the Year. Following him was the opening remarks of Nelca Leila Villarin, Dean of Student Affairs, who stated that the athletes should remember that all they do is in honor of the name of the school. “DLSU will once again be the champions of the different sports, and hopefully we bring back the General Championship this season,” Villarin added.
For the first intermission of the afternoon, the rookies from the various sports happening in the first semester performed a little dance program. This was followed by a message from Br. Bernard Oca FSC, who addressed the student athletes while remembering Lariba. “Death is not the end, death should not take away all we believe in and dream of. She is here with us even if she is not present, and that is what we mean by the Animo Spirit,” said the recently-appointed Chancellor.
Meanwhile, the second semester rookies also had their own time to shine as they presented their own stint in front of all the other athletes representing DLSU. The Taekwondo team on the other hand, were also able to present a dance demo before the lighting of the torch, which was led by all the team captains.
Kib Montalbo, team captain of the DLSU Green Archers, spearheaded the oath taking for the athletes. The team captains as well performed an intermission number, which was followed by the games wherein some of the athletes participated. The DLSU Animo Squad showcased a routine to conclude the presentations for the program.
Emmanuel Calanog, OSD Executive Director and UAAP Board member delivered the closing remarks, stating that, “Everything we do is for Yan and for La Salle.”
