2021 NCAA Season 96 for athletes, coaches, et al
Aside from providing entertainment through sports during the pandemic, the National Collegiate Athletic Association looks forward to holding the 96th Season early next year for those financially affected by the lockdown.
Fr. Vic Calvo of incoming host school Letran said that a total of 5,175 athletes, coaches and officials combined have been displaced as the 10 schools – and the league – struggled with operations.
“Imagine the figures across NCAA, from all sports in all schools,” said Calvo, Management Committee (MANCOM) chairman for Season 96, in yesterday’s online PSA Forum.
“Our target is to help half of the 5,175, which is 2,180. If matuloy ang NCAA 96, possible na mas marami pa ang matulungan natin. Sana matuloy, but it depends on the situation.”
Peter Cayco, Season 95 MANCOM chairman from Arellano University, said that holding Season 96 is not just about the league, but more importantly for the good of people concerned.
The league cancelled the remaining events of Season 95 last April and now plans to return for Season 96 with four mandatory sports, basketball, volleyball, swimming and athletics in March 2021.
“It’s not just for our own interest but for the interest of the association, as well as players, coaches and officials, including the referees and table officials,” said Cayco at the same online discussion.
Cayco isn’t discounting the possibility of increasing the number of sports if member schools decide to have a tournament.
Calvo said that holding Season 96 would depend on the COVID-19 situation and the government decision through the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
While the target opening is March 2021, Calvo said the training of athletes should begin by either November or December this year.
“It still depends of the concerned agencies, the IATF, DEPED (Department of Education), CHED (Commission of Higher Education). Our lawyer is formulating the guidelines,” he said.
As for broadcasting partner ABS-CBN, which shows basketball and volleyball games as well as other disciplines on its Sports + Action channel 23, Calvo said they were assured by the giant network that it would honor its contract even if it facing legal problems with its expired franchise.
“Whatever platform is available,” said Calvo, adding that they are open for discussions if the company broadcasts the games via online or on other channels available for ABS CBN.