BONG GO RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AT 4TH SIKLAB YOUTH SPORTS AWARDS, CHAMPIONS YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Youth and Sports, was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award during the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards held on Thursday, December 5, at Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls, BGC, Taguig City. The event celebrated the nation’s top young athletes and sports advocates, honoring their achievements in local and international arenas.

Among the awardees, Senator Go stood out as the sole recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering dedication to advancing Philippine sports and empowering young Filipino athletes. The previous year, during the 3rd Siklab Youth Sports Awards, Go received the Godfather of the Year award.

“Ako po, with or without award, magseserbisyo ako sa aking kapwa Pilipino at mga atleta. Sa mga kabataan po, please lang, mag-aral kayo nang mabuti. Kayo ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito,” the Senator expressed.

The Siklab Youth Sports Awards is a pioneering event in the Philippines, dedicated to recognizing exceptional young athletes who have excelled in grassroots tournaments such as the Batang Pinoy Games and Palarong Pambansa. It also highlights the accomplishments of youth athletes who have brought pride to the country in international competitions.

This year’s ceremony celebrated 85 individuals across various categories, including Sports Idol, Godfather of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, Para Youth Stars, Youth Heroes Award, Super Kids Award, and Rising Stars Award.

In his acceptance speech, the Senator expressed gratitude and renewed his commitment to nurturing the next generation of athletes.

“I’m so proud and of course sa ating PSC, na sa panahon ko bilang Chairman ng (Senate) Committee on Sports, nakakuha tayo ng unang Olympic gold kay Hidylin Diaz… and ngayon history naman po na naka twin gold tayo kay Carlos Yulo, (at Olympic medals rin) kay Nesty Petecio, and kay Aira Villegas,” Go said.

“Magtulungan po tayo para sa sports. Bilang Chairman ng (Senate) Committees on Health, Youth and Sports, naniniwala po ako na konektado ang health at sports. If we are physically fit, mas hahaba ang ating buhay. Suportahan po natin ang ating (mga) atleta,” he added.

The event not only highlighted the extraordinary talents and perseverance of young athletes but also inspired the next wave of Filipino sports heroes.

Senator Go’s dedication to youth and sports development is evident in his legislative efforts. He was instrumental in the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) through Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS provides secondary education integrated with a sports-focused curriculum, equipping student-athletes to excel both academically and athletically.

Additionally, Go authored and principally sponsored Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act, aimed at institutionalizing a nationwide sports competition. The Senate ratified the Bicameral Conference Committee Report for this bill on September 23, paving the way for more opportunities for Filipino athletes.

“Ako po ang nag dedefend ng budget ninyo (ng sports). Every year po ‘yan, pinaglalaban natin na maging times three, minsan times five ang budget ng PSC dahil ako po ay naniniwala na dapat suportahan po natin ang ating mga atleta,” Go said.

As the sponsor of the sports budget in the Senate, Go has been instrumental in securing support for the country’s sports development. He advocated for the repair and improvement of key sports facilities, such as the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila and Philsports Arena in Pasig City, believing that providing athletes with proper training environments, equipment, nutrition, and mental support is essential for their success.

Go has also continuously pushed for an increased budget for sports programs to significantly improve Filipino athletes’ preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.

“Minsan lang po tayong dadaan sa mundong ito. Anumang tulong ang puwede nating ibigay sa kapwa, o anumang karangalan ang puwede nating ialay sa bansa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito,” Go earlier said.

“Bilang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy po akong susuporta sa ating mga atleta, at magseserbisyo sa lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya. Bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo, at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” he added.

As a youth and sports advocate, Go continues to urge government to prioritize sports engagement among citizens, not only for elite athletes but also for aspiring youth athletes, especially at the grassroots.

“As I always remind our youth, get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit!” he said earlier.

During the event, Senator Go acknowledged key officials of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), including Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioners Olivia “Bong” Coo, Edward Hayco, Walter Torres, and Matthew Gaston.

He also extended recognition to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) officer, including President Abraham Tolentino, POC 1st Vice President Alfredo Panlilio, POC 2nd Vice President Richard Gomez, and Secretary General Atty. Wharton Chan, among others.

In addition, the attendees received various tokens from Go.

Go ended his message by saying, “Maraming salamat po. Tawagin niyo lang po akong Kuya Bong Go ninyo kahit saan tayo magkita. Sa mga atleta natin, saludo po ako sa inyong lahat. Kayo ang nagpakita ng determinasyon, sipag, at lakas ng loob para sa ating bayan.”