FINANCIAL support to the plans and program of the National Capital Region Athletic Association is coming.
Philippine Sports Commission William Ramirez made this assurance following the start of the 25th season of the NCRAA last Tuesday with its basketball games.
“We will support the community programs of the universities and colleges. That’s our commitment. Just like we’re helping the SCUAA, we will extend that support to the NCRAA,” said Ramirez after the opening ceremonies at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Ramirez said the community events and grassroots programs of the NCRAA and its role in the establishment of the Children’s Games from within its member school will be the focus of the support.
The league got going with 16 schools participating this season.
NCRAA president Patrick Nolasco of host Philippine Merchant Marine School said having a new set of officials running the organization is exciting for the league.
“We’re excited. We have a new commission and a new general manager. We know this will open doors for us,” said Nolasco, who believes that they will have a competitive season ahead of them, with a big list of universities and colleges joining them at present.
Aside from PMMS, also joining this season are PATTS College of Aeronautics in Group B, along with de La Salle University-Dasmarinas, National College of Business and Arts, Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite, University of Makati, AMA University and Pamantasan ng Muntinlupa.
In Group A are De Ocampo Memorial College, St. Francis of Assissi College, Olivarez College, Philippine School of Business Administration, Technological Institute of the Philippines, Asian Institute of Maritime Studies and New Era University.
Last October, the PSC got into discussions with many universities and colleges on how the agency can help strengthen the development of school sports.
Members of the NCRAA were among those present, and Ramirez said the meeting was held in line with the agency’s efforts to deepen sports engagement among the youth.
Representatives from around 78 schools, colleges, universities and athletic associations will meet with the PSC during the National Consultative Meeting for Collegiate Sports.