Press Release - Recognized for his contributions in advancing sports sector, Bong Go commends youth athletes during Siklab Youth Sports Awards

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go paid tribute to the nation's young athletes during the 2023 Siklab Youth Sports Awards at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City on Monday, December 4.

The event, organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, honored athletes under 18 from diverse sports.

Go, hailed as the "Godfather of the Year," recognized the collective efforts in advancing Philippine sports, stating, "Lubos din po ako na nagpapasalamat sa pagkilala ninyo sa akin bilang 'Godfather of the Year'. Ang ganitong pagkilala ay hindi lamang para sa akin kundi para rin sa ating lahat na patuloy na sumusuporta at nag-aambag sa paglago ng palakasan sa Pilipinas."

Go then expressed his full support for athletes, stating, "Ako naman with or without award, ay patuloy po akong tutulong sa ating mga atleta, sa ating sports industry."

Reflecting on the journey since the first Siklab Youth Sports Awards, Go reminisced about past awardees like Carlos Yulo and Chezka Centeno, who continue to inspire the youth.

"Naalala ko pa noong unang taon ng Siklab Youth Sports Awards, kung saan kinilala natin ang mga katulad ni Carlos Yulo at Chezka Centeno," said Go.

Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, spoke about the importance of sports in shaping the character and future of the youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence. He stressed the significance of advancing grassroots sports development.

He highlighted his efforts in establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Tarlac, through Republic Act 11470, enabling student-athletes to pursue education alongside sports. Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of the measure.

"Nariyan na po ang NAS kung saan po ang estudyante pwede pong mag-training at the same time mag-aral. Pwede po silang mag-aral at the same time mag-training," said Go.

"Wala pong masasakripisyo dahil nandidiyan na po sa loob ng compound ang school building, nandiyan na po ang mga track and field, nandiyan na po ang swimming pool. Pwede na po silang mag-training doon kasi noon kapag nag-atleta ka nasasakripisyo ang pag-aaral," he added.

Go's commitment to sports is