Cesafi returns April 22 with 13 events

Officials of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Incorporated (CESAFI) hold a press conference to announce the return of the games though limited to 13 sports events. (DALE ISRAEL/INQUIRER VISAYAS)

CEBU CITY — The biggest collegiate tournament in the country outside of Manila will open its new season on April 22 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new season of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Incorporated (Cesafi), however, will be limited to 13 sports events.

Some of these events like basketball will also be adjusted due to the continuing threats of COVID-19.

For example, basketball fans will only expect ”three-point” shootouts instead of the regular basketball game.

For football, the event will only be a skills contest on ”juggling and dribbling.“

Cesafi commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. said the changes were made because most of the universities and colleges do not have enough athletes.

During the pandemic, Tiukinhoy said, schools have temporarily suspended their scholarships on athletes.

He said this new season will only be an opener for a bigger season in 2023 when full games can be played.

One of the highlights for this year’s season is the inclusion of e-sports in Cesafi.

Aside from basketball, football, and e-sports, the other events in this year’s season include karatedo, scrabble, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, athletics, badminton, beach volleyball, chess, and dance sports.