The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) is set to kick off its highly anticipated Season 24 with a glamorous opening ceremony on September 21 at the Cebu Coliseum.
“We are pulling out all the stops to ensure another thrilling and memorable year of top level competition showcasing the skills of our athletes while at the same time fostering camaraderie among alumni and fans,” said CESAFI Commissioner Felix “Boy” O. Tiukinhoy, Jr.
Bearing the theme “Champions of Gold, Embracing Nature”, the new season will tip off with its centerpiece basketball tournament as per tradition.
Before the hardcourt battle, elaborate rites will take place, highlighted by the selection of Miss CESAFI 2024 and the recognition of CESAFI Olympians in Elreen Ann Ando and John Febuar Ceniza, who represented the Philippines in the weightlifting event of last’s month Paris Olympics in France.
“We want to put into the spotlight not only the diverse talents of our athletes but also the unity, excellence, and sportsmanship that the CESAFI is known for,” Tiukinhoy added.
Teams from the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) will take centerstage in the opening day double-header.
The CRMC Baby Mustangs will make their debut in Cebu’s premiere inter-school athletic league against the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons in the season-opener, while their big brothers in college will take on the Benedicto College Cheetahs in the main match.
In all, nine teams bannered by two-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers will see action in the collegiate division.
Out to dislodge the Lancers from their throne are the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons, University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars, University of Southern Philippnes (USPF) Panthers, and Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats.
In high school category, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles are setting their sights on another three-peat, which they previously achieved from 2014 to 2016.
The Magis Eagles will have their hands full against CEC, USC, CIT-U, USPF, USJ-R, UV, Don Bosco Greywolves, and the Benedicto College Baby Cheetahs and CRMC Baby Mustangs who are both set for their maiden showing in the CESAFI.
