By: Jo-ana Minese D. Dulfo (GS Faculty)
Ateneo Fest, Hearters’ Best 2024 in the Grade School department commenced last September 27, 2024 with a joyful parade of class teams led by their respective muses, team captains, and class advisers from the Lux Oriens Gym, to the Fr. Javier Avenue road, and up to the Magis Eagles Arena where the opening ceremony was held.
This year’s theme is: “Lighting up Paths of Hope through Sports”. The theme, which is anchored on the school’s vision-mission of creating paths of hope in the world, paved the way for calling on a bemedaled Ateneo Hearter graduate and athlete to become the speaker for this year’s sports chat. This torch bearer was none other than Mr. Jed Colonia. Jed narrated a testimony of how he balanced his student life and sports vocation in Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu and in Adamson University where he spent his last school year leading the university’s basketball team and graduating cum laude. While highlighting how he got back on his feet after experiencing an injury, he urged the young Ateneo Hearters to never give up on their dreams and to always push themselves up to achieve excellence and the Magis despite hardships and challenges. His life story fostered a sense of hope for the young learners to pursue their life goals and dreams, especially in sports.
With hearts ignited and inspired, the entire assembly applauded for the cheerful opening of Intramural 2024, officially declared by Fr. Mike Pineda, SJ, our school president. The inspiring voices of selected Grade 5 & 6 Ateneo Hearters roused the torch bearers to carry the light of the Intramural torch around the Magis Eagles Arena for everyone to see the spiritual symbol of the ideals of the whole Intramural program. The oath of sportsmanship then followed. The Intramural 2024 opening ceremony climaxed with a dance showdown and introduction of the class muses and team captains and culminated with an energetic Zumba dance. Indeed, Intramural 2024 has ignited a path of hope for young Ateneo Hearters to develop their potential beyond academics, foster collaboration and teamwork, and to learn life lessons that extend beyond sports.
One of the first major Intramural activities that the young Ateneo Hearters had to participate in was the Dance Palabas for the Intermediate level and the Dance Calisthenics for the Primary level. For weeks, each Ateneo Hearter contributed his or her talent, skills, and creativity in the production of an outstanding dance presentation. They met new friends from their houses: Amare, Lux Oriens, Magis, Servire, and AMDG and the section groupings in the primary level. The second part of the Intramural opening was the exciting dance presentations followed by the awarding ceremony. The dances were connected to a particular theme. Generally, the intermediate level focused on the themes related to caring for our common home. The primary level was more inclined to the concept of calisthenics and sports. Each house and each section grouping received an award for their dedication and time in coming up with a fascinating and relevant presentation. However, what was most essential was the learning they gained from participating in the practices, showing up, and doing their part, no matter how minute it was.
The opening salvo of Intramural 2024 had already weaved together a tapestry of teamwork and collaboration in the Grade School community, what more can it do when the real games begin? Whatever the circumstance, may all our young Ateneo Hearters continue to show character, compassion, competence, and community in their Intramural journey to become bearers of hope through sports.
