Go: Sports key to keeping youth off drugs

SPORTS is one of the keys to combating drug use among the youth, Sen. Bong Go said.

Speaking during the start of the Mikey Belmonte Cup 2024 on Sunday, Go said engaging the youth in sports is a «strategic approach to divert them from the dangers of illegal drug use.»

Go's office said the basketball event was in line with his advocacy to promote grassroots sports development in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the local government.

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports raised the role of sports «in steering young people away from harmful vices, particularly illegal drugs.»

«Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,» he said.

Go said he helped establish the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, under Republic Act 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored.

The NAS, he said, is a testament to the government's dedication to integrating academic and sports excellence, providing student-athletes with state-of-the-art facilities.

Go filed Senate Bill 2514, or the proposed Philippine National Games Act, which aims to institutionalize a national sports program, combining grassroots sports promotion with the broader agenda of national sports development.

«Our commitment to the sports sector is also reflected in our advocacy for increased funding for sports programs, particularly under the Philippine Sports Commission,» he said.

«This boost in resources is intended to enhance the preparation, training and competitive participation of our athletes in international events as well as grassroots programs that cultivate the talents of our young aspirants,» he added.