TAKING into consideration the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in the country, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that it is seeking to start Season 96 early next year, not in July. “Season 96, with Colegio de San Juan de Letran as host, shall begin in early months of 2021, subject to the decisions of the government for the favorable conduct of games, while strictly observing safety and health protocols,” the NCAA policy board headed by president Fr. The NCAA will only run the four mandatory sports, namely basketball, volleyball, swimming, and track and field next season as the 10 member schools try to mitigate the financial problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Holding an online chess tournament and esports is also being considered, with physical distancing still the norm. “It remains the NCAA’s top priority to ensure the safety and health of our student-athletes, coaches and trainers, and the general public,” reads the statement.

Source: Manila Times June 11, 2020 10:56 UTC