A total of 227 athletes, 38 coaches, and ten support staff from Tarlac State University painted the Tarlac Agricultural University Grandstand in Camiling, Tarlac with maroon and golden yellow during the opening ceremony of the 2023 State Universities and Colleges Region III (SUC III) Olympics earlier today (February 20).
Also known as the TSU Firefox, the university has entries in 33 events for this year's regional meet.
According to the university's sports director, Dr. Ligaya Gina S. Salangsang, TSU sent more delegates this year as the SUC III Olympics or SCUAA III has returned to the in-person setup with a new set of athletes.
"Mas marami tayong delegates this year, una sa lahat, dahil sa 110% support ng administration natin. Para sa akin, why not give a chance to other teams na sumali. Nag-start tayo ngayon with new athletes, new set of students. Sabi ko nga kay President Velasco, return and come back ito," Dr. Salangsang said in an interview with the Office of Public Affairs.
In addition, Dr. Salangsang mentioned that this is an opportunity to check on the athletes' and teams' performances.
"One more thing, nag start tayo ngayon as bagong team, at least makikita 'yung mga pwedeng mag-stay. Marami tayong athletes, kailangan lang talaga ng pukpok at training," she said.
The Sports Director also called on the TSU community to continue praying for the athletes.
Some members of the TSU Administrative Council participated in the opening ceremony spearheaded by Pres. Arnold E. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Agnes M. Macaraeg, and Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Grace N. Rosete.
The Commission on Higher Education Central Office also showed its support for the Central Luzon SUCs sports meet through Ms. Ana Dulce B. Yango, an international dancesport athlete and project lead of CHED Sports, who delivered an inspirational message on behalf of CHED Chairperson Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera.
Other public servants present in the opening ceremony are Tarlac 1st district board member Hon. Joy Gilbert R. Lamorena, representing Tarlac Province governor Hon. Susan A. Yap; Camiling town mayor Hon. Erlon C. Agustin; Santa Ignacia town vice mayor Hon. Nathaniel Bong Tan.
Meanwhile, Tarlac 1st district representative Hon. Jaime D. Cojuangco served as the guest of honor and speaker with a videotaped keynote address.
This year’s host institution is Tarlac Agricultural University.
