Saint Louis University (SLU) kickstarted Intramurals of Academic Year 2025-2026 earlier this morning, 14 October 2025 in high spirit– brimming with synergy, determination, and teamwork in line with this year’s theme, “Palarong Luwisyano: Pagbubuklod para sa Makabuluhang Edukasyon.
Louisian athletes from the School of Accountancy, Management, Computing and Information Studies (SAMCIS), School of Advanced Studies (SAS), School of Engineering and Architecture (SEA), School of Law (SOL), School of Medicine (SOM), School of Nursing, Allied Health and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS), and School of Teacher Education and Liberal Arts (STELA) assembled at the Giant Steps in anticipation of the Campus Parade of Athletes.
The SLU Marching Band Drumline Exhibition then set the tone of the parade of athletes with cadence and the precise rhythmic beats of the drums, emphasizing teamwork, coordination, and perseverance — key characteristics of the vibrant energy of athleticism.
Following the Campus Parade was the Eucharist Celebration presided by SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD. In his homily, he addressed the Louisian athletes and students saying, “The gospel of the day speaks beautifully to us as we launch our intramurals. Sports, like faith, is not just about being the best.”
Fr. Sales added, “In sports, there will always be winners and those who also fall short.”
“If we win, let us win with humility, giving glory to God, thanking our classmates and teammates, and respecting our opponents. If we lose, let us lose with grace, accepting defeat with courage, learning from it, and trying again next time.” He emphasized that athletes should play not just to be the greatest, but to be the kindest and the most generous in the field.
“Remember the real goal is growth in friendship, teamwork, and in faith. Let every pass, goal, race, cheer be offered for the glory of God who gave us life and most of all gave us strength. So let the games begin with joy, with heart and with God as the center of all,” he concluded.
The opening program officially commenced with the Parade of School Delegates followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem by SLU Glee Club and an exhibition featuring Wushu martial artists by the SLU Varsity Team with special participation of the SLU Wushu Varsity Alumni, and the Wushu teams of the University of the Cordilleras (UC), and University of Baguio (UB).
Shortly, Fr. Sales gave his inspirational message and said, “I am reminded of the Latin phrase that goes, mens sana in corpore sano— a healthy mind in a healthy body. In SLU, we believe in shaping the whole person. Yes, we strive for academic excellence, but we also know that true education goes beyond books, lectures, or written exams. Through sports, we build character. This is precisely why we have continued investing in our sports programs and facilities. And today’s venue stands as a clear proof of that commitment to your holistic development. This is not just a gym or a court—it is a training ground for future international athletes, leaders, and changemakers…Let us make these games a true reflection of the Louisian spirit: indomitable and respectful, excellent and purposeful.”
Succeeding Fr. Gilbert’s inspirational message was the singing of the Intramural Hymn by the SLU Glee Club and a performance from the SLU Dance Troupe next to the Declaration and Lighting of the Torch with Fr. Sales and NAVI being the torch bearer for this year.
The announcement of SLU Intramurals 2024-2025 winners then took place. Among those awarded were:
3rd Place Overall (617.5 points): SONAHBS
Champion in:
- Lawn Tennis for Women
- Swimming for Women and Men
- Table Tennis for Women and Men
2nd Place Overall (622.5 points): SAMCIS
Champion in:
- 3×3 Basketball Men’s Bracket 1
- 3×3 Basketball Women’s Bracket 2
- Chess for Women
- Lawn Tennis for Men
- Track and Field for Men
Thereafter, the Fr. Sales; SLU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Felina P. Espique, PhD; SLU Vice President for Administration, Atty. Shellah Yzanne P. Merced; and NAVI, the University Mascot awarded the perpetual trophy to the SLU Intramurals 2024-2025 Overall Champion.
Overall Champion (755 points): SEA
Champion in:
- Badminton Men
- 3×3 Basketball Men’s Bracket 2
- 3×3 Basketball Women’s Bracket 1
- Futsal for Women
- Swimming for Men
- Taekwondo for Women and Men
- Track and Field for Women
- Volleyball for Women and Men
After the awarding, Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) 35th Season Wushu Taolu Gold Medalists Ms. Ghiel Rhaisa Figueras and Mr. Julius Jesirace Bahay led the recitation of the Oath of Sportsmanship.
The bleacher cheering competition followed right after highlighting the vibrant performances from SEA, SAMCIS, SONAHBS, STELA, SOM, and SOL.
Winners in the bleacher cheering competition were:
- Best Drummer: SONAHBS
- Best in Choreography: SOM
- Best Cheerleader: SOM
- 2nd Runner up: SEA
- 1st Runner up: SONAHBS
- Champion: SOM
SLU’s commitment to holistic development through sports gives athletes the avenue to be strong and disciplined with their minds sharpened through strategy and teamwork. (Article by: Catherine Rose Bondoc, UIO Intern | Photos by: Reijn Albert Vir Valdez and Trisha Andreah Visperas, UIO Interns)
