MANILA – With President Rodrigo Duterte extending the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) until the end of the month, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) decided to axe the rest of its Season 82.
In a statement co-signed by Season 82 president Emmanuel Fernandez and executive director Rene Saguisag last night, it said that the remaining sporting events have been “deemed cancelled.”
“With the Enhanced Community Quarantine having been extended, the conditions for the resumption of UAAP Season 82 can no longer be met. As such, it is now deemed cancelled,” the statement read.
The league was originally looking to implement a new format for the season once the ECQ ends on April 14. They were hoping to finish events of Season 82 before June 1, 2020.
“The Season 82 schedules should not spill over to Season 83,” Saguisag said last month. “Maybe we have a two-week tournament, a shortened window, basta it should end by May 31.”
Among the sporting events affected by the cancellation of the season are the men’s and women’s volleyball, which have already played four games before the suspension, and the men’s football.
The sporting events that never got the chance to showcase the caliber of athletes are the women’s football, baseball, softball, athletics, lawn tennis and 3×3 basketball.
UAAP will address the repercussions of its decision once things in the country restart to usual.
“All other issues related thereto will be resolved at the proper time as we continue to focus our time, energy, and resources in battling this crisis,” the UAAP said. “Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our fans, partners, student-athletes, coaches, and all other members of the UAAP community.”/PN
