By Jocelyn Bangquiao
The Xavier University Basic Education Athletics Department hosted the 3rd Ignatian Sports Leadership Workshop (ISLW) from 21 to 23 August 2025, at the Lecture Space of Xavier University Senior High School in Cagayan de Oro City. The two-and-a-half-day workshop brought together 20 participants composed of Athletics Directors, Sports Coordinators, and Coaches from Jesuit schools across the Philippines. Participating institutions included Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Naga University, Xavier School San Juan, Xavier School Nuvali, Loyola College of Culion, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu, and Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan.
Photo Credits: Jocelyn Bangquiao
The ISLW aimed to strengthen relationships among sports leaders from these Jesuit schools and foster greater collaboration toward the betterment of society through sports. With a strong emphasis on unity, personal reflection, and the integration of spirituality in athletics, the workshop embodied the Jesuit mission of forming individuals who are not only excellent in sport but also committed to being men and women for others.
The first day of the workshop, themed “Rooted in Mission: Ignatian Foundations in Sports,” focused on the spiritual and formative dimensions of athletics. Sessions explored key topics such as “Flow Spirituality for Sports – The Ignatian Framework for Student-Athletes and Coaches,” “Creating the Profile of the Ignatian Student-Athlete and Coach,” and “Forming Men and Women for Others through Athletics.” Participants also engaged in an "Ignatian Circle," reflecting on how concepts like flow, ontological security, and sports as a path to play and to God enrich the athletic experience. Fr Cosme Carlo A Lacang, SJ, delivered the keynote address, grounding the day in Ignatian spirituality and mission.
The impact of the sessions was evident in the reflections of the participants. Sir Julius Abesamis of Xavier School Nuvali shared, "I was struck by the session on the profile of an Ignatian Student-Athlete and Coach. This session challenged me to reflect on my own role, not just in guiding athletes to excel in their sport, but in helping them grow into men and women for others." Meanwhile, Coach Noel Lagrada of Loyola College of Culion highlighted the significance of the discussion on ontological security, saying, "Ontological security, which leads to the flow of our athletes, I realized how great a responsibility it is when athletes are entrusted into our care. That we must, at all times, protect them."
Photo Credits: Jocelyn Bangquiao
The day concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration, offering participants a moment of spiritual grounding and thanksgiving, and reinforcing the deep connection between faith and the mission of Jesuit athletics.
The second day of the workshop focused on the theme “Safe Spaces : Protecting and Empowering Athletes,” highlighting the responsibility of sports leaders to ensure the physical, psychological, and legal safety of student-athletes. Atty Jasper P Alon opened the day with a session on the legal obligations of sports institutions, covering educational laws, the Anti-Hazing Law, and protocols for addressing sexual harassment. His talk emphasized transparency, accountability, and the importance of safeguarding policies in school athletics. This was followed by a session from Ms Rio Rosal B Baliling, MAPsy, RPm, who addressed athlete mental health. She introduced Psychological First Aid and stressed the value of strong support systems, institutional partnerships, and wellness as a foundation for both performance and personal growth. In the afternoon, Dr Samuel F Macagba III led an interactive workshop on Safe Sports Environment Design. Using real-life case scenarios, participants collaborated to develop solutions and strategies for implementing athlete protection policies across Ateneo schools, promoting a unified, values-driven sports culture.
Photo Credits: Jocelyn Bangquiao
The day also featured an ocular visit to the Jesuit Athletic Meet (JAM) venues, followed by a social night where participants bonded through videoke and billiards, strengthening camaraderie and community among Jesuit sports leaders.
On the final day, the focus shifted to preparations for JAM 2025. Discussions centered on logistical planning, housing arrangements, and collaborative efforts to ensure the event's success. An ocular inspection of the participant quarters was also conducted. This day symbolized the transition from formation to action, bringing together the insights and relationships built during the workshop.
Photo Credits: Jocelyn Bangquiao
Overall, the 3rd ISLW proved to be more than just a gathering of sports leaders, it was a shared journey of mission, purpose, and unity. Through meaningful conversations, spiritual grounding, and practical planning, Jesuit schools across the country reaffirmed their commitment to forming athletes and coaches who are not only excellent in their craft but also deeply rooted in faith and service. Sir Erwin Pelayo of Ateneo de Zamboanga University expressed the need to carry this spirit forward, stating, "We need to copy-paste this kind of session in our individual schools." His words capture the lasting impact of the workshop, a call to action to build a sporting culture that not only seeks victory, but also forms persons for others, guided by Ignatian values on and off the field.
Always, AMDG!