THE opening ceremonies of the UAAP Season 79 will offer a unique experience for the athletes, officials and fans, host University of Santo Tomas assured.
UAAP secretary treasurer Gilda Camus of the host school said the September 3 rites at the Plaza Mayor inside the school grounds will have three parts, the first one being the unfurling of the UAAP ballroom dancing competition at 3 p.m. which has been turned into a side event similar to cheerdance and streetdance.
The formal opening ceremony will be held around 5 p.m. where all the athletes from the eight different schools will attend. The day's packed program will be capped by a concert.
[See Olympics-style outdoor opening ceremonies eyed for UAAP]
Camus said the program will give athletes from the UAAP member schools a look at the rich history of UST.
“The university decided that we want to other universities to experience the Thomasian culture. We want to share the activities that we have here in UST,” said Camus.
The opening ceremony will push through even if rains hit the outdoor venue that had hosted the visit of Pope Francis in 2015.
“It will be a surprise on what’s going to happen. Prepared na po kami diyan,” said Camus.
Camus also noted that the ceremony will showcase athletes in different sports and not just basketball players.
“Basically, we want more athletes to be represented in the opening,” said Camus, adding that having a separate opening ceremony will give the basketball players time to rest before their games proper the next day.
“Medyo pagod sila dahil may opening, matagal ’yung waiting time because of the palabas,” said Camus.
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