By Coach Emer Matienzo

Surabaya and Malang Set to Host the Spectacular Event from June 25 to July 6, 2024

Surabaya, Indonesia: The 21st ASEAN University Games (AUG) is all set to take center stage, promising an unforgettable extravaganza of sportsmanship and competition. Scheduled to be officially organized in Surabaya and Malang, Indonesia, from June 25 to July 6, 2024, this sporting event is expected to bring together athletes from across the ASEAN region.

A Diverse Array of Sports
With a total of 21 sports on offer, the 21st AUG 2024 is gearing up to be a celebration of athletic prowess like never before. The featured sports include athletics, handball, petanque, tennis, futsal, basketball, 3×3 basketball, bridge, judo, taekwondo, swimming, chess, karate, sport climbing, volleyball, beach volleyball, badminton, archery, sepak takraw, wushu, and pencak silat. Athletes and sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to witness and participate in a wide range of disciplines.

Philippine Participation
For the Philippines, this event holds immense significance. The country’s representatives will compete in various sports, including beach volleyball and conventional volleyball from the 3rd Philippine University Volleyball League (PUVL), men’s basketball from the top team emerging from the 4th Philippine University Basketball League (PUBL) in January 2024, badminton for both men and women, chess for both men and women, tennis for both men and women, table tennis for both men and women, karate for both men and women, Wushu PWCCA Meicheng Shaolin Wushu for both men and women, and swimming for both men and women.

FESSAP’s Call to Action
The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) is calling upon schools to register for accreditation membership. By doing so, schools can actively participate, organize, or host qualifying tournaments. They can also try out for national events such as the Philippine University Championships/Leagues, National Students Championships, and various international competitions. Additionally, a swimming delegation tryout for the 21st ASEAN University Games is on the horizon, with details to be announced soon. This will be a combined tryout with the second tryout for Bahrain Gymnasiad, specially tailored for high school students.
FESSAP’s International Endeavors
In 2019, FESSAP achieved a significant milestone by becoming a regular member of the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC). Building on this achievement, the organization has established the AUSC-Philippines group, enabling members from numerous colleges and universities to engage in disciplines that suit their talents and interests.

The Vision of FESSAP
The primary objective of FESSAP is to provide more opportunities for student-athletes to pursue their respective sports while fostering education, foreign exchange, goodwill, and friendship with student-athletes from Southeast Asian Nations.
Honoring Graham C. Lim
On August 30, 2023, Asia Pacific University Sports Union (APUSU) President Mustaza Ahmad bestowed a “Special Recognition” upon Graham C. Lim, CEO / Secretary General of FESSAP, with a 24-carat gold-plated pewter award. This recognition was in appreciation of Mr. Lim’s unwavering support for the successful hosting of the 1st and 2nd Asia Pacific University Games (APUG) in 2015 and 2017, both held in Cebu City in collaboration with University Cebu (UC). FESSAP, Inc. operates as a non-profit and non-stock organization, with its financial resources dedicated exclusively to the pursuit of its objectives.

Philippines Inter-School Sports Association (PISSA)
PISSA is taking the helm in organizing high school competitions in the Philippines. The organization is also gearing up to represent the Philippines in international sports under the International School Sports Federation (ISF). Founded in 1972, ISF is an international non-profit sports organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), uniting national school sport organizations worldwide and organizing sports and educational events for youth aged 6 to 18.
Exciting Developments in ISF
During the Under 15 Gymnasiad 2023 in Brazil, ISF Secretary General Hrvoje Custonja announced plans for an Under 12 Gymnasiad in 2025. The aim is to engage younger children aged 10, 11, and 12 in an international sporting environment, expanding their horizons and changing their lives.
Additionally, ISF is planning to launch the first edition of the World Teacher Games in 2024. This event, confirmed and in the process of selecting a host city, will feature a wide range of educational activities and sports. More international federations will be invited to conduct courses as part of this educational initiative.

The 21st AUG 2024 is poised to be a testament to the spirit of unity and competition among ASEAN nations, with the Philippines actively participating and fostering international goodwill through sports and education. Stay tuned for updates as this event unfolds, promising thrilling sports action and moments of inspiration for athletes and spectators alike.