The construction of the De La Salle University-Philippine Sports Commission Sports Academy and the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Football Field are now underway after groundbreaking ceremonies were held on May 7 at the Rizal Football Field.
Led by DLSU President Br. Armin Luistro and PSC Chairman Harry Angping, the ceremonies followed the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the two neighboring institutions last April 29.
Under the agreement, DLSU and PSC will join forces in establishing a sports academy for national athletes, most especially the retirees. The academy will provide the athletes the opportunity to complete their secondary and tertiary education, with courses in sports management, sports science, and entrepreneurship. This is to enable them to become highly competent trainers, instructors, sports administrators, and professionals, even after playing years are over.
DLSU, a premier educational institution in the country, will handle the preparation of the curriculum and provisions for faculty. PSC, on the other hand, will be responsible for the physical facilities needed for the sports academy such as classrooms, offices and computer laboratories.
“This partnership is a perfect model of how the government and private sector can work together to achieve common goals,” said Br. Armin.
Chairman Angping added that the partnership seeks to pursue the two institutions’ shared mission of providing opportunities in the areas of education and sports. It likewise aims to maximize the use of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The Sports Academy will be housed in the Rizal Memorial Compound and is expected to be completed in August this year.
DLSU also agreed to provide financial assistance in the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Football Field.
