Citing ongoing battle with coronavirus, UAAP Board cancels 83rd season

By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

The UAAP on Friday announced the cancellation of its 83^rd season due to the ongoing pandemic situation, a decision that saddened the collegiate community including star players and their supporters.

In a statement, the Board of Trustees arrived at a decision to put the student-athletes’ well-being on top of its priorities as the world still grapples with the deadly virus.

“After a series of discussions, the UAAP Board of Trustees came to this difficult decision, putting major consideration on the health and safety of the student-athletes and those involved in the operations of our competitions,” the statement said.

This marked be the first time that the league will be cancelling an entire season since World War II from 1941 to 1946.

The second semester of Season 82 early this year was also affected due to the pandemic, with only a few matches of centerpiece volleyball were played.

The 83^rd season was supposed to start last September, but was pushed to a later date since the government still does not allow schools to have face-to-face classes.

The alternative plan was to hold it in the first quarter of 2021, preferably April, until it decided to scrap it all.

Meanwhile, the league also advised member schools to plan their activities for the remainder of the academic year, as well as their athletic programs for the 84^th season.

“Both the Board of Trustees and the Board of Managing Directors will further discuss the implications of the cancellation for the guidance of the member-schools and student-athletes,” the statement read.