Senator Christopher “Bong” Go thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. for giving due recognition to the country’s athletes and frontliners at the military-civic parade during the his inauguration on Thursday, June 30, held at the National Museum in Manila City.
A total of 25 athletes and coaches in wushu, sepak takraw, jiu-jitsu, judo, kurash, shooting, rowing and gymnastics joined the parade.
Healthcare workers and other frontliners were also present, giving due recognition to their sacrifices especially amid the pandemic.
Go is chairman of both the Senate Committees on Sports and Health and Demography.
“I am delighted seeing our athletes marching at the military-civic parade during today's swearing in ceremony of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.,” Go said in a statement.
“Let this also serve as a reminder of the continuing sacrifices of our modern-day heroes: our healthcare workers and our many frontliners who put their lives on the line so we can be protected from the COVID-19 pandemic,” the senator cited.
As chair of the Sports panel, Go said he is committed to always look after the welfare of the country’s athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development.
He said the inclusion of athletes during the Marcos’ parade is a similar commitment to promote sports in the country.
“As Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go underscored.
“These will both help our country become again as one of the sports powerhouses in Asia and to also encourage our young people to stay away from illegal drugs and criminality by going into sports,” the senator added.
The lawmaker earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) System and Main Campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.
The government-run sports academy is 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.
The academy is also equipped with world-class sports facilities, housing and other amenities on par with international standards. S
Last June 14, Go accompanied Duterte in the inspection of the said academy. He earlier described the said facility as a gift to the Filipino youth from the Duterte administration.
“Through our hard work and unity, I am confident that more Filipino athletes will put the country on the world stage and that sports will help us create a much better future for the entire nation,” he emphasized.