As the 82nd season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) tournament begins this September, numerous athletes from various sports donned the jersey of the Green-and-White and presented themselves at the Animo Rally earlier today, August 30, at the Corazon Aquino Democratic Space.
Returning for her second stint as the University’s Courtside Reporter, Aiyana Perlas, together with Adamson University’s Season 80 Courtside Reporter Armand Hernandez, hosted the event. With the theme centering on the hashtag #4WARDLASALLE, Associate Dean of Student Affairs Cyril Lituanas opened the event with an invocation. This was followed by the opening remarks which was given by Vice President for Lasallian Mission Fritzie de Vera. She urged the athletes to give their all for UAAP Season 82 as this year also marks the 300th death anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Continuing with tradition, La Salle’s rookies who will play during the first half of season 82 performed a colorful dance number. After the performance, University Chancellor Br. Bernard Oca FSC implored the audience to remember that the Lasallian community is united as one in the pursuit of athletic excellence, “Ang La Salle ay isang komunidad, isang pamilya, at isang puso.”
(La Salle is one community, one family, and of one heart.)
The hosts then went around and asked for messages to the Lasallian community from the athletes, who called for support this coming season. The rookies who will play in the second half of the season also prepared performances for the crowd. The Taekwondo team also took the opportunity to present a martial arts demonstration.
Led by Green Archers team captain Andrei Caracut, the athletes took the Oath of Sportsmanship, which was then followed by the presentation of the captains of each team. The La Salle Dance Company-Street also captivated the crowd with a special performance to add to the excitement. The captains then had the honor of lighting the torch, which symbolizes the Animo spirit that burns within Lasallians.
The Office of Sports Development Executive Director Emmanuel Calanog then delivered the closing remarks. In his address, Calanog urged the teams to do their best. “As we enter UAAP Season 82, always finish as high as you can. Every point matters and will have an important impact on the general championship,” he told the athletes.
As a fitting end to this year’s Animo Rally, the Animo Squad performed their cheerdance routine before the Alma Mater Hymn was sung. The event portrayed a truly united Lasallian community that showcased the Animo spirit through the participation of the athletes.
