The University of the Cordilleras (UC) Gymnasium has emerged as a vital resource for both university students and local community athletes. Recently renovated and made more accessible to the public, the UC Gym offers free access to local athletes, creating opportunities for training, development, and competition. This commitment has positioned the UC Gym as a cornerstone for sports development, nurturing talent across Baguio and surrounding areas.
UC Grand Alumni Homecoming and UC Gym’s Role in Community Sports
During the 2023 Grand Alumni Homecoming on May 13, 2023, the UC Gym was highlighted as a focal point for community engagement. Alumni, current students, and local athletes came together to celebrate not just their school spirit but also the gym’s role in supporting sports development. The gym’s accessibility for local athletes, including free usage for training and events, was a key theme, reinforcing UC’s commitment to fostering athletic talent and community pride through sports.
Newly Renovated UC Gym: A Boost for Local Athletes
The Grand Opening of the Newly Renovated Gym on June 23, 2023, marked a significant milestone for UC and the Baguio community. With an investment of Php 28 million, the gym underwent extensive upgrades to provide state-of-the-art facilities for training and competition. The modernized space offers local athletes a top-tier venue to develop their skills without the financial burden of expensive membership fees, making it an invaluable resource for the community.
Local athletes can now enjoy a world-class facility, helping them prepare for competitions, train as part of school teams, or pursue personal athletic goals. Free access to these enhanced facilities is one of the many ways UC supports the growth of local sports.
UC Sports Development and Opportunities for Local Athletes
Through its Sports Development Office (SDO), UC actively promotes athletic excellence by offering open tryouts for local athletes. As of July 8, 2023, 203 aspiring athletes participated in the first phase of tryouts for various sports, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, and athletics. The UC Gym played a pivotal role in these tryouts, providing athletes with access to high-quality facilities to showcase their skills.
The SDO’s open tryouts also reflect UC’s ongoing commitment to identifying and nurturing local talent, with free access to the gym making it an accessible opportunity for aspiring athletes from diverse backgrounds. The gym’s availability, including the free use for these tryouts, has made it an essential space for local athletes seeking to advance their careers.
UC Jaguars in Action: A Boost for Local Sports Pride
The UC Jaguars have been performing exceptionally well in local competitions like the Z League, where they recently defeated the University of Baguio, 75-61, at the newly renovated UC Gym. This win, along with others, has sparked local pride and showcased the gym’s capabilities as a competitive venue. Athletes like Comendador Cabannag, who led the Jaguars with an outstanding performance, demonstrate the level of talent nurtured at UC, with the gym serving as a key resource for training and competition.
For the local sports community, the UC Gym is not only a training facility but also a venue for community events and competitions that inspire pride and excitement.
UC Freshmen Day 2023: A Focus on Sports Engagement
The UC Freshmen Day 2023 (Open House), held on September 21-22, 2023, also took place at the UC Gym, emphasizing the importance of sports in student life and welcoming new students into the UC community. The open house event showcased the gym’s facilities to incoming freshmen, providing an opportunity for them to explore the sports opportunities available at UC. It was an ideal platform for students to learn about the athletic programs, tryouts, and other sports-related activities at the university.
The Freshmen Day highlighted the gym’s role in shaping student life, with sports being a key component of UC’s holistic educational experience. This event reinforced UC’s commitment to fostering a strong athletic culture while offering freshmen a chance to engage with the university’s sports programs right from the start of their academic journey.
Free Access for Aspiring Athletes in Partnership with UC Sports Development Office
The UC Gym’s commitment to free access for local athletes continues to be one of its most impactful contributions to the community. Through the SDO’s initiatives, local athletes—from those aspiring to join the UC Jaguars to recreational players—can train, compete, and develop their skills without the financial constraints that often come with high-end training facilities. For many, this free access provides an invaluable opportunity to pursue their athletic goals and elevate their performances to new levels.
The UC Gym is a cornerstone for sports development in Baguio, providing a high-quality training facility that is accessible to both university students and local athletes. Through its newly renovated spaces, community-driven initiatives, and continued investment in athletic programs, the gym plays a crucial role in developing local talent. Whether through open tryouts, community events, or its participation in inter-school tournaments like the Z League, the UC Gym offers a platform for aspiring athletes to excel.
As the gym remains open to local athletes, free access and opportunities for development are at the forefront of UC’s mission to promote sports excellence in the region. Local athletes are encouraged to take full advantage of the gym’s resources to train, compete, and represent their community in sports.
