After accepting the challenge to host this year’s 38th State Colleges and Universities Athletic (SCUAA) Meet October 28 last year at the Visayas State University (VSU), the athletic competition made its way back to the grounds of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) after 17 long years – having hosted SCUAA back in 2007. In prior years, the institution has hosted the athletic meet on 1992, 1997, and 2007.
Despite their long history hosting the athletic meet, they hosted these games as the then Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology (TTMIST). Even though this is technically the fourth time, this year marks a historic first as they will host the SCUAA as Northwest Samar State University.
Director’s Meeting and SCUAA 8 manual revision
Prior to the hundred-day countdown of the university, the region’s sports directors held a meeting on June 18 to 20 at the university’s Business Development Center, discussing on ways to make an efficient and inclusive approach to the annual games.
Sports and Physical Fitness Development Director Engr. Joseph Marian B. Romano says that this is in order to make the athletic meet a ‘memorable and impactful to everyone involved.’
“Truth be told, this year’s games hold more than just institutional significance. They are important for the City of Calbayog and the Province of Samar. As we gather athletes, coaches, and supporters from the eleven state universities and colleges across the region – we are here not only to compete but to reinforce camaraderie and unity,” Engr. Romano said.
The university’s hundred-day countdown
Marking the start of SCUAA’s countdown, the university their hundred-day social media campaign on August 30th through a Facebook live, where they unveiled the Ceremonial Spark and Unveiling of the Official Logo.
NwSSU President Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo says that the athletic meet will serve as a showcase of not only great athlete feats, but will also highlight the best spirit and talent that makes this region proud.
The official logo of the 38th SCUAA Meet, which takes inspiration from streaks of light to show dynamism and motion, features 11 streaks which denotes the 11 state colleges and university (SUC) who are members of SCUAA. With the theme ‘Spark to Victory,’ this year is hopeful that we can embark on this athletic journey with camaraderie and unity.
They also revealed the official anthem of the 38th SCUAA Games entitled ‘Larab sa Kadaugan (Spark to Victory),’ which was penned by NwSSU Arts, Social, and Cultural Affairs Director Cerilo A. Irinco, which he dubs is a ‘a call to play the games with heart – fueled by love, vigilance, and faith.’
Related article: https://spoiw.evsu.edu.ph/igniting-the-spark-of-victory
After the success of the opening program despite the inclement weather, the start of the sporting events this Monday, December 9, will help us witness the capabilities of the university, the City of Calbayog, and the Province of Samar in hosting the region’s most prestigious athletic event.
After a great show of commitment, we hope to see not only our student-athletes’ spirit in challenging themselves in these games but also the institutions’ fervor in fostering an athletic community in where the former can all develop – a scenario where we can all aspire to ‘spark to victory.’
Article by Ton Sierolf Cairo