UAAP postpones all events starting Feb. 15 due to coronavirus threat

UAAP volleyball coaches with league executives. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The UAAP is postponing all its sporting events starting Saturday due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The league made the announcement on Wednesday, a day after saying that “all systems go” for the UAAP volleyball tournaments opening this weekend.

The league said it made the decision Tuesday afternoon after “thorough deliberation” by the UAAP board of trustees managing directors.

“The University Athletic Association of the Philippines upholds, in the highest regard, the well- being, health and safety of the League’s community – players, coaches, students, their families and fans in general,”  the league’s statement read.

The move, in compliance with the advisories from  Department of Health and Commissioner on Higher Education, means the opening of the anticipated volleyball tournament will be moved to a later date.

The other tournaments opening this month like men’s football (February 16), softball (February 17),  seniors baseball  (February 19), athletics (February 19-23), and judo (last week of February) have all been postponed along with the playoffs for the high school beach volleyball and basketball tournaments.

The ongoing fencing meet and a high school boys’ football matchday will still push through this week.

The league said is it closely monitoring the situation in the Philippines “to determine the resumption of the games.”

“We ask for your understanding and your prayers for the safety of our community, our nation and all countries affected by this outbreak.”