The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Region X, headed by Fr Max V Ceballos SSJV, and Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, led by Fr Roberto C Yap SJ, agreed to host the CEAP Mindanao Games 2019 from February 7 to 10, with the theme, “Filipino Youth in Mission: Beloved, Gifted, Empowered.”
    
The CEAP Mindanao Games is an annual sporting event, involving the different regions of Mindanao, namely: Region IX - Zamboanga (led by Fr Karel San Juan SJ); Region X - Northern Mindanao (Fr Max V Ceballos SSJV); Region XI - Davao (Fr Thomas Avila); Region XII - Cotabato (Br Wilfredo E Lubrico FMS); and Region XIII - CARAGA (Fr John Christian U Young). The ARMM will not be participating in this year’s CEAP Games.

The CEAP Mindanao Games will feature 16 disciplines or events: athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, chess, dance sports, 11-a-side football, futsal, lawn tennis, sepak takraw, softball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, vocal singing, and volleyball. More than 1,000 student-athletes, coaches, and officials are estimated to join this annual regional sporting event of Catholic schools and universities in Mindanao.

Trophy awaits the champion for each event. But more than competing for the trophy, the CEAP Mindanao Games’ leadership hopes that athletes and coaches will make this as an opportunity to discuss with other stakeholders from different regions their struggles and dreams for sports development in Mindanao.

The event will formally open with a concelebrated mass, to be presided by Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma SJ DD on February 6 at 5PM at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre (XASC).

The games will be played at XASC, XU Gymnasium, and Main Campus Football Field. 

"Let us welcome all the student-athletes from Catholic schools all over Mindanao and show them the hospitality of the City of Golden Friendship, the Xavier Ateneo way," said Xavier Ateneo president Yap in his message to the academic community.  

All visiting athletes, coaches, and officials will be housed at the three DepEd schools, namely, West City Central School (c/o Dr Celso L Pagulon), Fr Masterson Elementary School (c/o Dr Catalina Q Oliveros), and Lumbia National High School (c/o Dr Cristina Ganas).

The accommodation of athletes and officials is made possible through the assistance of the local government unit, headed by Mayor Oscar S Moreno, and the support of the DepEd Schools X division superintendent Dr Jonathan S dela Pena.

The city government of Cagayan de Oro, through the initiative of Paul Douglas Calingin will support CEAP Mindanao Games by providing medical, safety, and security assistance during the event, including transportation of delegates.

The organizers pray for the success of the CEAP Mindanao Games 2019 and invite everyone to watch and cheer for the teams.∎

CEAP-X WORKING COMMITTEES. Photo taken during the CEAP-X meeting with Fr Max V Ceballos SSJV (regional trustee), Myrna S Fantonalgo (CEAP-X secretary), and Sr Irene Cajandig RVM (CEAP-X treasurer), together with the members of the working committees. Supplied photo. 

CEAP-X COORDINATORS. Photo taken during the CEAP Mindanao Games Regional Sports coordinators' meeting last November 27, 2018, at the Archbishop House. The meeting was presided by CEAP-X regional trustee Fr Max V Ceballos SSJV. Supplied photo. 

CEAP-X COORDINATORS. Photo taken during the CEAP Mindanao Games Regional Sports coordinators' ocular inspection of the venue for the CEAP Mindanao Games 2019 last November 27, 2018, at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre. Supplied photo.

CEAP-X COORDINATORS. Photo taken during the CEAP Mindanao Games Regional Sports coordinators' ocular inspection and meeting with Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre facilities manager Ricky S Tadlip last November 27, 2018. Supplied photo.