Makati: The 57th Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) unfurls its new season on Saturday as it continues to provide female athletes the platform to thrive. Hosted by University of Makati (UMak), one of three newcomers in the 18-team field, the WNCAA Season 57 opening ceremony starts 10 a.m. at Makati Coliseum.
According to Philippines News Agency, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Antipolo and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay are the other two rookie schools of the country's first and only tri-level league for female athletes. The 3x3 basketball between the seniors teams of UMak and San Beda College Alabang kicks off action at 11 a.m. The volleyball tournament starts Sunday at St. Scholastica's College gym in Manila.
On September 13, regular basketball begins at Chiang Kai Shek College gym in Manila and futsal at St. Paul College Pasig. Other events slated for the second semester are badminton, cheerdance and cheerleading, chess, softball, streetdance, swimming, table tennis and taekwondo (kyorugi and poomsae).
The 57th season carries the theme 'Rise, Shine, Anywhere' to amplify the league's aim to elevate women's sports, and underscore the talent, determination and competitive spirit of its athletes. "For decades, the WNCAA has served as a beacon for young female athletes across the nation," Prof. Elyxzur Ramos, UMak president, said during the press conference on Wednesday. "We strongly believe that sports development is an essential pillar of holistic education."
WNCAA president Dr. Juanita Alamillo of Centro Escolar University said this year's theme reflects the spirit of women athletes. "Rise to face every challenge, overcome every setback and stand stronger after every defeat," she said. Prof. Virgilio Tabbu, UMAK vice president for student affairs and community development, said education does not happen inside the classroom only. "Sometimes, it happens on the court, on the track, in defeat and when you are lost yet still chose to continue," he said.
Other member schools are Assumption Antipolo, Assumption College, De La Salle Santiago Zobel, La Salle College Antipolo, Miriam College, Philippine Women's University, St. Jude Catholic School, St. Stephen's High School, University of Asia and the Pacific, and University of Santo Tomas-Angelicum College.
