UAAP board to discuss drummers' appeal to join cheerdance battle

UAAP Season 84 president Nonong Calanog explains why drummers have initially been barred from participating in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition but added that the board will decide on the appeal by Friday or Saturday. UAAP Season 84 Media Team

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--UAAP Season 84 president Nonong Calanog confirmed on Thursday that the league's board has initially thought about not allowing the member schools' official drummer groups to participate in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena here.

In the press conference for the cheerdance event on Thursday during the break in women's volleyball action at the said venue, Calanog explained that the decision came out of COVID-19 concerns since fans from all eight UAAP universities will pack the arena all at once in the event scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.

"The primary consideration is the safety of everyone," Calanog said.

He then added that there have been cases during both the men's basketball and the women's volleyball events in which fans tend to take off or lower their face masks just to cheer louder, which further fuels concerns.

However, Calanog has also taken note of the UAAP drummers' appeal to have them participate in the cheerdance event.

"We will discuss this with the board and decide if we will go back and look at that decision," Calanog said.

The UAAP could ultimately decide on the appeal either by Friday or Saturday, according to Calanog.

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