In an exciting development for the Philippine Schools Athletic Association (PSAA), a new partnership with fast-growing snack and beverage company CreamLoops has been announced, marking a significant enhancement for the league's sports offerings. This collaboration will introduce the PSAA's inaugural esports competition, coinciding with the league's fifth season set to begin next month. The event is scheduled to kick off on November 11, following the conclusion of the basketball season.
The upcoming esports tournament will feature 16 teams representing eight member schools of the PSAA, competing in the popular mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. This initiative is a pivotal part of the PSAA's ongoing efforts to diversify its sports programs and create additional competitive opportunities for student-athletes. The PSAA aims to foster a balance between sports and academics, particularly appealing to the interests of today's youth.
CreamLoops is committed to supporting young athletes beyond merely enhancing brand visibility. The company views this partnership as a chance to aid in the development of grassroots sports and youth engagement in athletics. According to Pamela Ann Abril, Marketing Manager at CreamLoops, the company is proud to facilitate this esports event and has long admired the discipline and dedication of student-athletes who balance their studies with sports.
With Mobile Legends: Bang Bang selected as the game for the competition, CreamLoops recognizes the growing appeal of esports among Filipino students, highlighting its potential for cultivating values like discipline and teamwork. Abril emphasized that this game was chosen because it is free from associations with gambling, making it a suitable choice for a youth-focused event.
In each match, every participating school will field a six-player roster, ensuring that strategic play and teamwork are at the forefront of the competition. This structured environment will provide students with valuable insights into organized esports and competitive gaming frameworks, enhancing their overall experience.
To incentivize participation, CreamLoops has announced an attractive prize package for the tournament. The winning team will be awarded P100,000 along with CreamLoops products, while the second and third place teams will receive P50,000 and P30,000 respectively. This significant prize reflects CreamLoops' commitment to acknowledging the hard work and competitive spirit of student-athletes.
Fernando "Butch" Arimado, the PSAA founder and sports organizer, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting its potential to draw more schools into the league beyond conventional competitions like the UAAP and NCAA. He articulated that the infusion of esports elevates the PSAA’s visibility and reach within the educational sports community, thereby encouraging a broader range of student participation.
The collaboration between the PSAA and CreamLoops is anticipated to reinforce the association's grassroots sports initiatives and offer more avenues for students to engage in esports alongside traditional sports. This innovative approach aligns with the interests of contemporary student populations, positioning the PSAA as a forward-thinking entity in the realm of school athletics.
Attending the announcement event were representatives from both CreamLoops and the PSAA, including Abril, Arimado, Campaign Manager Racel Santos, Event Director Keith Christina Valler, and a brand ambassador from the Philippines' emerging P-pop scene. The partnership symbolizes a promising future for esports in educational institutions across the Philippines.