Southern Leyte State University-Main Campus officially declared the Fierce Phoenix as the grand champion of the Intramural Meet 2024 after a week of sporting events and visual arts competitions, breaking Flaming Sparrows’ two-year consecutive grand champion title, announced on September 20 during the Awarding and Victory Party held at the Grandstand grounds.

Fierce Phoenix took the stage as they claimed the perpetual trophy, signifying they are the grand champion of the Intramural Meet 2024 after accumulating 176 medals – 86 gold medals, 53 silver, and 12 bronze.

“Winning the Intramurals and breaking the Flaming Sparrows’ two-year streak is an incredible achievement for the Fierce Phoenix of FOT AND FAS. It reflects our team’s hard work, dedication, and resilience. This victory not only highlights our commitment but also unites us as a community. We faced strong competition, and this win reinforced our belief in ourselves and our ability to overcome challenges. It’s a proud moment for all of us, and we’re excited to carry this momentum into the future!” a statement shared by Mr. Emilio Cagurol Jr., the General Athletic Manager (GAM) of the Fierce Phoenix.

The Herculean Dragon followed second on the rank with a 60 gold count, the Flaming Sparrows with 59 gold haul, and the Great Griffins on the fourth spot having 42 gold record. The teams were given trophies for their effort and dedication in involving in the different sporting events for one week.

Also in this year’s Intramurals, two competitions were introduced to the students, the Bench Yell competition and the Intramural Escort and Muse 2024. The Herculean Dragon bagged all gold after their Bench Yell team and Muse and Escort pair bested all the other participants of the three teams.

In these new competitions, artists not part of the institution are prohibited, meaning that make-up artists, the choreographers, the team’s banner painters, and the talent holders are all from SLSU. This is to give recognition and spotlight to the skills and talents of the Kingfishers.

Indeed, the competition for gold is tight for the four teams. But what is truly important is embodying the university’s mantra – to be “one university” through athleticism, culture, and the arts.

This year’s Intramurals wakes the essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie amidst the criticisms. Every team deserves the grand champion title, and it is a proud feeling to carry it. But let us not forget what Fr. Merwin said during his homily in the Holy Mass on the first day of the event, “Intramurals main focus is for every one of us to become a better person.”

What makes us a true champion is not how many gold medals and victories we can contribute to the team but how much we become a better person after the competition.