The Ambassador Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. Gold Trophy is finally home
In a simple ceremony held at the Xavier Hall inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus Wednesday afternoon, the Ateneo Blue Eagles were formally awarded the Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. trophy that they earned after an epic three-game series during the finale of the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament.
The trophy itself is made of 14-karat gold, with the shield of each member school of the UAAP wrapped around it. Its worth is said to be estimated at around PHP 2,700,000. It was made by topflight goldsmiths Suarez and Sons.
Receiving the trophy were Ateneo president Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ, and members of the team.
“It’s a pleasant surprise actually.
“Sometimes we use this word sportsmanship, but sometimes we don’t know what it means, but we can see that this thing, this act of La Salle to give the trophy not just to us but to any champion, for me I consider that a wonderful act of graciousness, really,” said Villarin. “I’m happy that this rivalry has not been bitter. Sometimes when you see the game they’re really clawing at each other but then in the end this rivalry is deeper than the physical. There’s this fellowship, kumbaga. There’s a fellowship of schools.”
According to Green Archers official Quinito Henson, the trophy represents every core value of each UAAP member school and the values promoted by sports.
“Mr. Cojuangco has been involved with sports for decades. He’s now in his 80’s but I think his idea of providing a symbol of excellence is very inspiring,” said Henson, who is a columnist for the Philippine Star.
“I think it sorts of summarizes the journey that every school makes in a UAAP season because it’s a journey of sacrifice and hard work and the team that ends up on top ultimately is the team that all the other teams look up to.”
As a sign of Cojuangco’s commitment, he is willing to donate this trophy to the next six to eight UAAP Men’s Basketball champions. Moreover, a perpetual trophy worth PHP 5,800,000 is waiting for the team who will win three straight crowns.
“This is his commitment to the UAAP board, and this has been approved, is that he will be giving a trophy every year to the champion team whoever that champion school maybe for six years,” Henson added.
“In fact the UAAP board was saying, ‘why not eight years because there are eight UAAP teams?’ He says, ‘well of course if I’m still alive I’ll continue to give.’”
Speaking for the rest of the league, Villarin wished that this gesture by the De La Salle University translates to every member school of the league to promote brotherhood despite the competition.
“I hope that the spirit continues, that it’s not lost. A rival gave this to another rival. There will be nothing of that bitterness. I hope that the spirit lives on –- the spirit of camaraderie and of fellowship.”
