The Universities and Colleges Premier League, a newly-formed organization composed of state universities, LGU-owned schools and private institutions, was warmly welcomed by the Philippine Sports Commission on Wednesday and the fledgling multi-sports league is set to work hand in hand with the government sports agency in promoting sports outside of the mainstream.
No less than PSC chairman Richard Bachmann accommodated the representatives of the member schools that is looking to launch its opening ceremonies in November.
Bachmann also presided as the administering officer during the Oath Taking Ceremony of the board of directirs of the UCPL for School Year 2024-2025 on July 19 and among those who were sworn in were Dominador Lera, Jr. of University of Makati, Romulo Hubbard and Kristine Guiriba of Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Arden Mark Santos of Rizal Technological University, Maria Cecilia Unso of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina, Ryan Sabinian of Holy Angel University, Ma. Socorro Javier and Roschelle Giron of College of St. Catherine Quezon City, Carisse Capistrano of RMC, Eugenio Kert Landren of St. Dominic College of Asia and Rey Joble.
Also present was Ramon Almeda.
In meeting the officers of the UCPL, Chairman Bachmann vowed to support the new league’s vision of promoting sports in general, which lines up with the former basketball executive’s idea of ‘sports for all.’
Outside of the mainstream sports that are usually being played in other collegiate and university leagues, the former PBA board governor, who also played a key role in the country’s hosting of the FIBA World Cup last year where he previously served as operations head for the Manila hosting, encouraged the UCPL to give extra focus on other disciplines, among them include obstacle course, paddle tennis and pickleball.
