Putting above all else the health and safety of student-athletes and those involved in the operations of the competitions, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has decided to cancel its Season 83.
The league in a statement said after a series of discussions, its Board of Trustees came to the tough decision to move for the cancellation of its 83rd season amid the uncertainty still prevailing because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The UAAP was not able to finish its Season 82 early this year as the pandemic started to make its presence felt, and mass gatherings like sporting events were prohibited.
It was angling to return to action either in the first or second quarter next year, albeit in a modified setting to conform with the conditions related to the pandemic, including the possibility of holding a “bubble,” where participants will be confined in a particular area for a duration of time to guard against the spread of the coronavirus.
But the league admitted that with face-to-face classes still not allowed staging competitions was made all the more difficult.
In making its decision, the UAAP is hoping that member-schools will use the time to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year, as well as their athletic programs for next season.
It went on to say that both the Board of Trustees and Board of Managing Directors will further discuss the implications of the cancellation for stakeholders to be guided.
De La Salle University is the host for UAAP Seasons 83 and 84 with Cignal TV and its affiliate TV5 the new broadcast partners of the league. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo