Mindanao State University-General Santos City (MSU-GSC) has recommitted the hosting rights for the much-awaited 2024 Mindanao State University Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Unity Games, after a meticulous evaluation process, culminating in a rigorous General Meeting and Ocular Inspection conducted by esteemed Sports Development Office (SDO) Directors representing various MSU campuses, convened on April 26 in MSU-GSC's Conference Room, Administration Building.
Amidst speculation surrounding the hosting grounds for the biennial regional meet, heightened by MSU-Marawi's withdrawal following security concerns post-bombing incident, MSU-GSC boldly steps up to the plate, reclaiming the honor of hosting the event from May 30 to June 6, marking its return to the forefront after a hiatus since 2017.
Convening for their inaugural on-site session, SDO Directors from 12 MSU facilities, alongside MSUSAA Overall Chairperson, Atty. Jamaloden Basar, and MSU-GSC's Chancellor JD. Usman D. Aragasi, along with Vice Chancellor Dr. Mishell D. Lawas, seized the opportunity to collaboratively strategize and plan key logistics for the upcoming event.
The meeting primarily centered on crucial aspects including venue allocation for sporting contests, medical protocols, preparation for the opening program, specific guidelines for each sports event, and notably, deliberations on the exclusion of four events, namely: Lawn Tennis Women, Swimming, Taekwondo, and the eagerly anticipated Mr. and Ms. MSUSAA competition. Additionaly, the inclusion of Softball is being reconsidered due to the limited number of participating teams.
Given the MSUSAA's primary focus on sports, MSUSAA Overall Chairperson, Atty. Basar, prioritized aligning sports education with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), highlighting that the MSU system's support “would be very helpful” in advancing the region's educational and athletic aspirations.
“Just imagine ‘yung pumupunta diyan ‘yung mga [universities, like] UP, mga ibang university ang pumupunta sa BARMM,” Atty. Basar underscored during the assembly.
He further elaborated, “Iba iba ang konsepto nila kaya nga talagang pag natutok doon ang mga programa, iba na ang itsura. Dapat tayo talaga ang manguna sa BARMM, this Mindanao State University.”
After delivering his address regarding the assertion on directing sports initiatives towards BARMM, the former vice president of the MSU system issued a challenge to the various sports heads, stressing the importance of making a positive impression in this year's MSUSAA following the four-year break caused by the pandemic and other circumstances.
"We need to orient our athletes and delegations not to engage in conflicts. Otherwise, it won't truly be a Unity Game," emphasized Atty. Basar. He then reiterated the importance of the MSUSAA embodying "the highest and best ethics in sports” to ensure its successful continuation.
With this directive in mind, it posed a notable challenge to the hosts, spearheaded by MSU-GSC’s SDO Director, Prof. Sammielyn Lavente, urging them to diligently work towards realizing these goals within the remaining month of preparation.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Aragasi of MSU-GSC is fully committed to hosting the tournament on home soil, harboring an unwavering vision regarding the players' attitude, recognizing that the event will unfold within their own walls.
“The physical purpose nito [MSUSAA] is to strengthen camaraderie, it’s not all about the reward but it’s all about giving chance to everyone, a room, or to have a chance to visit [other] campuses,” stated Chancellor Aragasi.
The MSUSAA will feature a comprehensive lineup of 15 sporting events, including Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Chess, Dancesports, Karatedo, Lawn Tennis Men, Sepak Takraw, Soccer, Table Tennis, and Volleyball. These events will take place both within the MSU-GSC campus and at diverse venues across General Santos City, promising a dynamic and immersive experience for participants and spectators alike.
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