Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has urged stakeholders to work together to ensure that athletes are well-supported, especially during international sports competitions.
Presiding over the Committee on Sports hearing on Monday, Go acknowledged Filipino athletes who showed outstanding performances in several international sports competitions even amid the pandemic.
He hailed Hidilyn Diaz for winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, Alex Eala for becoming the first Filipino to win a juniors singles Grand Slam match in lawn tennis, and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena for his record-breaking success in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, and in the European circuit.
“The achievements of our athletes are results of sheer determination, perseverance, and hard work,” Go said in his opening statement.
“As chair of this committee and an avid sports enthusiast, let me reiterate my unwavering commitment to the advancement and promotion of a national sports development program in the country through formulating relevant policies and extending assistance to our athletes.”
Go reiterated the importance of investing in grassroots sports development to provide promising athletes to show off their talent and skills.
The senator stressed that if the government continuously provides support to the sports sector, it will significantly instill discipline, sportsmanship, and hard work in the young athletes, and help them avoid illegal drugs and other vices.
“As I have said many times before, investing in sports will not only enable us to develop world-class athletes, but it will also help us in keeping our youth away from illegal drugs and other harmful vices,” Go said.
He noted the crucial role of the Philippine Sports Commission in ensuring the efficient implementation and promotion of the country’s sports development programs.
“It is also important to note that one of the functions of the PSC is to exercise supervisory and visitorial powers over the national sports associations,” Go said.
Go also tackled the preparations being made to ensure the successful hosting of the Philippines of the FIBA World Cup next year.
“We need to study how we can support our athletes so that they will be motivated to answer the call of representing our country in international competitions and in this case in the upcoming FIBA World Cup,” he said.
