College of Saint Benilde faced off with persons with disabilities (PWD) athletes in a friendly basketball match that aims to showcase the skills of differently-abled individuals and empower them through sports and recreational activities.

Dubbed as Titled Beyond Limits: The Benilde Blazers, the outreach program championed inclusivity in society circles and neighboring community engagements among students, faculty members and partners of the educational institution.

The project was part of the Beyond Limits University Tour that was spearheaded by Project Empower, a non-government organization that improves the quality of life of youth and PWDs.

But more than that, the initiative allows PWD athletes to compete with collegiate teams like University of the Philippines, Arellano University and Saint Benilde.

“This event is not just a powerful celebration of sports but a reminder that regardless of physical limitations and abilities, everyone deserves recognition and respect,” Saint Benilde athletic director Stephen Fernandez said.

Aside from Fernandez, also gracing the event was Philippine Sports Commission commissioner Walter Torres and veteran para athlete Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta,who stressed that disability is never a hindrance to sports excellence.

“Sports is the great equalizer. Whenever we’re in the court or on the track, we are all equal,” Dumapong-Ancheta, the powerlifter who represented the country in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, said.

Composed of Jhomel Ancheta, Matthew Oli, Gab Cometa, SJ Moore and Anton Eusebio, the Blazers observed and admired the on-court heroics of the PWD players.

Aside from the friendly game, an adaptive 3x3 basketball league was also held at the Benilde Sports and Dorm Complex.

The one-day affair was a collaborative effort among the Benilde Center for Sports Development, School of Environment and Design, Center for Social Action, Center for Inclusive Education, and School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies.

Best Buddies Philippines, a non-profit group which advocates for individuals with intellectual and developmental diversities, was also one of the event partners.