Senator and Chair of the Senate Sports Committee Christopher “Bong” Go expressed confidence that the Filipino athletes would again bring pride and glory to the Philippines at the upcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

“I extend my warmest felicitations to our national athletes and to the Philippine Sports Commission headed by Chairperson William Ramirez for their hard work, dedication and commitment to Philippine sports,” Go remarked in a video message during the send-off ceremony for the SEA Games-bound athletes on Thursday, April 28.

Go reaffirmed his unwavering support to the 987 Philippine delegates who he said exemplified discipline and perseverance as they train vigorously to represent the country at the regional sports meet to be held from May 12 to 23.

“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, it is with great pride and honor that I express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of you, for showing your undying devotion to our country through sports, and for upholding the true spirit of patriotism,” expressed Go.

Recognizing the athletes’ dedication, Go reassured that he will remain steadfast in advocating for their well-being and interest. The senator also remarked that he will always be proud of the Filipino athletes regardless of the results of the competitions, adding that their perseverance and efforts are already laudable.

“Your sacrifice and commitment is something we are truly grateful for. Maraming salamat sa pagpapakita ng inyong angking galing sa larangan ng sports,” he stressed.

Philippines is the defending champion of the SEA Games after hauling victories from the last meet in 2019. The country garnered 149 gold, 177 silver, and 121 bronze medals.

Go then encouraged fellow Filipinos to show their support to the athletes who will be competing for the country, saying, “Hinihimok ko rin po ang ating mga kababayan na magkaisa para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino na makikilahok sa SEA games. Ibigay po natin ang kinakailangan nilang suporta.”

“Again, sama-sama po nating ibalik ang dangal ng Pilipinas sa mundo ng isports. Goodluck po sa ating mga atleta at mabuhay po kayong lahat!” he concluded.

A staunch advocate of sports development in the country, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020.

The said law is in line with Go’s vision of providing a dedicated learning facility where promising young athletes can further hone their talents while getting quality education. The NAS Main Campus is located at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. It officially started its first academic year on September 13, 2021.

“Ngayon na meron nang National Academy of Sports, mabibigyan na ang mga kabataang atleta ng pagkakataon na mag-training at makapag-aral sa isang world-class na pasilidad at eskwelahan,” the senator remarked earlier.

Go also personally attended the signing of the Deed of Donation for the land on which the Philippine Sports Training Center will be built in Bagac, Bataan on May 18 last year. As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go pushed for the allocation of sufficient funding for the master development plan of the center. The facility is expected to be completed by 2025.