News and Photos by Mr. Meljohn R. Tatel

Amidst dreams of victory, loud cheers and gyrating moves, students of the Ateneo de Naga High School formally opened the school year’s Intramurals on August 5, 2011 at the Covered Courts.

The gathering for the big event ceremoniously opened with a First Friday Eucharistic celebration in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The mass in Filipino was said by Fr. Ruben Reyes SJ, School Chaplain.

It was followed by the symbolic lighting of the Intramurals Fire, invoking the spirit behind the Olympic Games. Lighting the fire was Edmund Hallare, the grand winner of the relay race which participated in by all the learning groups.

This year’s Intramurals opening was themed REVIVE – Renewing the Vitality of Ignatian Values in Education. Thus, competitions for the team name, T-shirt design, and cheer-and-dance routine had retro and vintage touch.

Following the lighting ceremony, Mr. Gregorio Re Abonal, Principal, delivered his inspirational message to all the student-athletes who will be competing in the year-long games. Intramural games in the Ateneo, unlike in many schools, are held within the Physical Education sessions.

The most awaited part, the cheer-and-dance competition among the learning groups, followed shortly. Teams competed by year level. In the performances, every learning group performed their mixed yell-and-dance routines to the retro-themed music.

The day was capped by an exhibition basketball game between the high school varsity and selected teachers and staff.