Pangasinan State University, Lingayen Campus β Approximately 3,000 student-athletes from six participating State Colleges and Universities in Region 1 gathered as the State Colleges and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) Meet officially opened in Pangasinan, November 21.
PSU is the host of SCUAA-1 for the second time around under the administration of Dr. Dexter R. Buted. Thousands of student-athletes, coaches, trainers, executive officials, faculty members, and staff from Region I SUCs gathered in the field of PSU for the vibrant solidarity parade with various color representations from PSU to Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC).
Aside from the host, other participating institutions include Northern Luzon Philippine State College (NLPSC), Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) University of Northern Philippines (UNP), Don Mariaano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMSU) and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) joined the said event.
President Dexter R. Buted inspired the athletes in his message by saying that whatever be the results of the competition, all of them will be considered winners. He also cited Mahatma Gandhiβs well-known quote, βChampions are made from something they have deep inside of them-a desire, a dream, a visionβ to boost the morale and inspire the athletes.
Moreover, Coach Roel Velasco, bronze medalist, 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, Boxing National coach, 2021 Philippine Sports Commission-Hall of Famer, also emphasized that handworks, patience and discipline would make the athletes winners.
Among other highlights of the program that took place during the opening ceremonies were the opening salvo of the PSUnians cultural performers, hoisting of institutional delegation banners, oath of officiating officials, awarding of certificates of recognition to former Sports and Culture & Arts Directors, lighting of torch, mob dance by the PE and NSTP students in PSU Lingayen Campus and a Pyromusical fireworks.
The said SCUAA-I will run for five days from November 21-25 with the different sports events to be held at different campuses of Pangasinan State University, NRSCC, Pangasinan National High School, and Pangasinan Police Provincial Office Field. The winners will represent the region in the upcoming SCUAA National Games.