THOMASIAN STUDENT athletes received a significant financial boost after the alumni who joined the Rector’s Cup donated P2 million to the UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA) on Tuesday, Sept. 9.
The Rector’s Cup, an annual golf tournament organized by UST alumni since 2016, gathers Thomasian graduates to raise funds for student-athletes.
“Rector’s Cup is organized by the alumni to specifically help student-athletes. The proceeds go directly to support and assist them,” Institute of Physical Education and Athletics Director Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., told The Flame.
Cansancio said the donation would be allocated to training equipment, uniforms and food allowances for UST athletes this UAAP Season 88.
“It’s not only financial help to the student-athletes, but more than that—it’s about alumni reaching out to support them,” he said.
The alumni community donated P3 million to IPEA last year.
Aligned with UST’s hosting of UAAP Season 88, which carries the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” the event was pursuant to the alumni’s goal to foster Thomasian core values while empowering future champions.
Organized by the UST Office of Alumni Relations, this year’s tourney, “Rector’s Cup 7: Thomasian High School and Inter-Collegiate Alumni Golf Tournament,” marked its seventh year on July 7 at the Forest Hills Golf and Country Club in Antipolo, Rizal.
UST also secured new sponsorships for its athletic programs.
Last week, the University signed a memorandum of agreement with Strong Group Athletics, a sports marketing firm that pledged support for the Tiger Cubs, Growling Tigresses and Junior Golden Tigresses.
Meanwhile, the UST Growling Tigresses struck a one-year partnership with apparel company World Balance to serve as their official outfitter for Season 88.
The deal was formalized on Sept. 4 at the IPEA office, with World Balance CEO and chairman Barnaby Chong, Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong and Fr. Cansancio leading the signing ceremony. F
(Editor’s note: This story has been edited to correct a detail about the event, which was misinterpreted as a partnership.)
