The Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP), in collaboration with state universities, colleges, and private institutions, is ready to compete in the 32nd World University Games, which feature 10 sports disciplines — athletics, archery, badminton, men’s basketball, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and indoor volleyball (men).
Organized by the International University Sports Federation and the German University Sports Federation, the 2025 World University Games—also known as the Summer Universiade—will take place in Rhine-Ruhr and Berlin City, Germany, starting on July 16, 2025, and will end on July 27, 2025.
The Philippines will take part in basketball via Mapua University and volleyball through National University, in two of the country’s most popular team sports.
their respective leagues—Mapua as the NCAA champion, and National University as the UAAP titlist—winning their slots through FESSAP-organized events, the Philippine University Basketball League and the Philippine University Volleyball League.
“Qualifying for the top 16 teams in the World University Games is a remarkable achievement—on par with reaching the Olympics,” said Edwin C. Fabro, FESSAP president, who will be accompanied by Prof. Robert Milton Calo, FESSAP chair Alvin Tai Lian, and Philippine Airlines board director David U. Ong, at the prestigious event.
The occasion is made possible through FESSAP’s valued partnerships with philanthropists and corporate sponsors, including Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, BESTANK Corporation, Philippine Airlines, KELME Sportswear, Healthy Options, LT Group Inc., Seascape Village, PADDOCK’S Casual Jeans, OMNI Electrical and Lighting, and HENN Athletic Club.
Fabro and Tai Lian have designated Mary G. Ng, businesswoman and president of the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association, as the Philippine Head of Delegation. Alongside her, businessman and philanthropist Frank Lao will serve as the Philippines’ Deputy Head of Delegation, ensuring steadfast leadership and commitment to the nation’s athletes. Fabro will act as the Philippine Flagbearer.
Both Ng and Lao, formerly executive members of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have redirected their focus towards sports development. Their unwavering support for FESSAP has been instrumental in advancing its programs and international engagements, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to Philippine university athletics on the global stage.
The games will be hosted across multiple cities in Germany, each showcasing world-class sporting venues — Hagen City – Basketball; Essen City – Table Tennis, Artistic Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Lawn Tennis, Archery, and Basketball; Duisburg City – Basketball and Beach Volleyball; and Berlin City, the capital of Germany – Indoor Volleyball and Swimming