Nat’l Academy of Sports joins five events in UAAP high school division

MANILA — The National Academy of Sports will join five events in the UAAP high school division as a guest school, the league announced on Saturday.

NAS will make its UAAP debut in the high school table tennis tournament, which opens on Sunday at Gameville Central Park.

Aside from table tennis, NAS will also field student-athletes in athletics, swimming, judo, and taekwondo.

“This is very much aligned with what we want to achieve at the National Academy of Sports. Our program is not just about providing our student-athletes with quality education and training, but also giving them opportunities to compete and test themselves against the best,” said Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, who also serves as vice chairman of NAS’ board of trustees.

Through the UAAP, they will gain more exposure to high-level competition, which is essential in their development and preparation for future international competitions.

NAS became the third guest school to participate in the UAAP, joining PAREF Southridge School and Claret School of Quezon City.

UAAP executive director Atty. Rene Saguisag Jr. said NAS’ entry is aligned with the league’s commitment to developing student-athletes who can eventually contribute to nation-building through sports.

“We at the UAAP believe this is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” he said. “As the saying goes, iron sharpens iron. 

“By competing against one another, both the UAAP and NAS student-athletes stand to benefit, and ultimately, this partnership will contribute to the continued development of Philippine sports.”