TOP COLLEGIATE volleyball squads in the country are set to square off in the Unigames Collegiate Grand Slam Cup from Oct. 19 to 27 at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.
A total of 42 teams will be competing in indoor volleyball tournament – 24 men’s and 18 women’s – which will be renamed the “2nd Dominic Sytin Cup” in honor of the late CEO of United Auctioneers Inc.
The beach volleyball tournament, meanwhile, has attracted a total of 14 and nine men’s and women’s teams, respectively, in what should be the biggest volleyball event this year nationwide.
“Traditionally, you will see mostly UAAP and NCAA teams coming over along with teams from the Visayas and Mindanao. Nationwide talaga ang participation,” said Philippine Superliga president Ian Laurel.
Laurel is grateful for Unigames president and chairman of technical and games committee Roger Banzuela for making the partnership with the PSL possible.
“It is enough for the biggest college volleyball league in the country to partner with the PSL. This alone gives us great pride and joy,” said Laurel.
He added: “It’s not just the financial capability of the Sytin family but for the love of Dominic for the sport that really means much.”
In return, the PSL will be giving out subsidies to competing teams in the form of equipment by providing nets and volleyballs.
The league is also handing out the Dominic Sytin Perpetual Trophy to this year’s champion team.
For his part, UAI president Rommel Sytin expressed gratitude to both PSL and Unigames for acknowledging the support his late brother gave to the sport.
“I want to thank the PSL and Unigames for recognizing the effort of my late brother, who was also a staunch supporter of University of the Philippines (Lady Maroons),” Sytin said.
“I want (this partnership) to last for a long time. Its’ worth it and it’s very ensuring to know that people support sport like what my brother had shown before,” he added.
Around 2,500 delegates are expected to compete in the 24th edition of the Unigames which has the theme, “The Games that Bring Us Together for Unity and Peace.”
Not only volleyball, the weeklong competition will also feature basketball, athletics and football./PN
