Six campuses of Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) assembled in vibrant colors, pulsating beats, and unflagging enthusiasm during the much-anticipated Sportsfest 2024 at the Marikina Sports Center on 3 March 2023.
This grand event brought together administrators, students, faculty, and university representatives from the Valenzuela, Quezon City, Antipolo, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, and Laguna campuses.
A Parade of Festive Spirit
The festivities kicked off with a dazzling parade of campuses, each showcasing a unique presentation and cultural spectacle.
Students and campus leaders proudly marched and delivered captivating gimmicks that left the 12,500-member audience in awe.
Needless to say, the parade was not only a celebration of athleticism but also a colorful testament to the rich diversity within the OLFU community.
Rekindling the Flame: 13 Years Later
The Sportsfest marked a significant milestone as it brought together OLFU campuses once again after a 13-year hiatus.
After its last staging in 2011, the anticipation had been building, and the return of Sportsfest did not disappoint. The energy was palpable as students, faculty, and administrators joined forces to create an unforgettable experience.
Led by the esteemed University President, Dr. Caroline Marian Enriquez, the ceremonial torch lighting symbolized the official commencement of the Sportsfest.
Administrators, members of the Management Committee, and the Fatima Employees Management Council (FEMA) stood united, emphasizing the spirit of fair play and camaraderie.
Field Demonstration Goes Viral
The OLFU Pep Squad ignited the crowd with their electrifying performance, setting the tone for what was to come. Sustaining the thrill were 3,800 Fatimanians, who stole the show in a visually impressive part of the SportsFest repertoire.
Spearheaded by OLFU’s dedicated Physical Education (PE) Coordinators and students from Valenzuela, Quezon City, and Antipolo Campuses, the breathtaking field demonstration easily became one of the event’s highlights.
The Sports Center reverberated with cheers as the exhibition seamlessly transitioned from one hit song to another. The performance would soon captivate the digital world.
A video capturing the mesmerizing field demonstration quickly went viral on TikTok, amassing over 500,000 views and nearly 30,000 likes as of this writing.
Netizens marveled at the synchronized moves, the sheer energy, and the pride of being part of OLFU, with #OLFUSportsfest uniting the community even in the digital space.
Showcasing Talent and Grit
For the most part, the Sportsfest platformed the students to demonstrate their gifts. During the special gathering, Fatimanians showcased their talents in various disciplines, from soulful singing performances to the high-octane hip-hop competition, reviving the stage with passion.
Meanwhile, the track and field competitions and lively parlor games exhibited the competitive spirit that runs deep within the OLFU community.
After intense but amiable battles across competitions, the Quezon City campus emerged as the SportsFest Overall Champion. Their combined determination and outstanding performances secured their victory, eventually earning them the coveted title.
Bringing P-pop to the Fatimanians
Closing the gathering with sustained energy of fun and thrill, Fatimanians were treated to a front-seat P-pop concert experience after Cornerstone’s VXON performed their hits like SSP (Saksak Sa Puso) and Sandal, entertaining both the young and young at heart audience.
In an interview, “Monsters of P-pop” are honored to be active contributors to the changing sound of OPM, sharing their advice with young artists who wish to pursue performing and studying at the same time.
“Time management is really important. If you manage your time well, you can multitask. You can pursue both academics and [the] creative industry,” said main vocalist Franz, who is a fervent believer in the right timing.
VXON leader C13 also expressed how paramount it is to be surrounded by people who give you the inspiration to pursue both academics and art.
The young talents basked in thunderous cheers from the passionate Fatimanian supporters who, in one way or another, resonated with them the same dreams and passion—a perfect encapsulation of the successful OLFU Sportsfest 2024. – Raymond Lumagsao
