Varsity players from the different sports teams lead the official lighting of the torch. Photo by Alexis Matthew Reyes

With the torch lit and the banners raised, the Palarong Atenista 2016 officially opened last July 30, 6 PM at the Martin Hall of the Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Jacinto Campus.

The night started with the introduction of each division as they trotted up the stage carrying their respective flags. Shortly after, division representatives raced for the ceremonial banner raising followed by the torch lighting led by AdDU Men’s Basketball Team player Mahloney Taranza and several division representatives.

This was succeeded by the athletes’ oath-taking led by AdDU Women’s Volleyball Team varsity player Samantha Dizon and the announcement of guidelines. Right after, SAMAHAN President John Chin, officially declared the inter-division sporting event open.

Then, the Ateneo Dance Troupe (ADT) alumni graced the event’s opening along with the representatives of the Latin Dance Showdown from each division, offering a sneak peak for their performances later.

The night’s ceremonial opening also welcomed back the Latin Dance Showdown and introduced the first ever Intramurals Ambassadors, whose candidates from each division graced the stage to introduce themselves and their respective advocacies.

For the Latin Dance Showdown, the Humanities and Letters (HUMLET) Wolves came in second runner-up, Accountancy (BSA/AT) Griffins took first runner-up, and the champions for the night were the School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA) Tigers.

Meanwhile, in the search for the first ever Intramurals Ambassadors, the BSA/AT Griffins took home the title while the Social Sciences (SS) Dragons and the Business and Management (B&M) Vipers came in second and third, respectively.

Students also expressed their expectations for this year’s Palaro.

Fourth year BS Accounting Technology student Edward Malijan expressed his excitement for this year’s Palaro.

“The same excitement akong na-feel for this year as ‘tong first year pako. Pero sayang lang kay since sabay na ang Fiesta and Intrams this year, naay uban sports and activities na ma-sacrifice,” he said.

(I feel the same excitement as to when I was still a first year student. But it’s a little bit unfortunate that since Fiesta and Intramurals are combined this year, there will be some sporting events and activities that will be sacrificed.)

Palarong Atenista 2016 is made possible through SAMAHAN Central Board (SCB) in partnership with the University Athletics Office.

The Ateneo Intramurals will run from July 24 to August 13.