Senator Christopher Lawrence Go envisions sports as more than just a realm of competition. As the chair of the Senate sports committee, the lawmaker shared his broader perspective on sports, seeing it as a key element in fostering community spirit and national growth.
“It is about building a united and hopeful community that supports each other,” Go said on Monday. He believes sports can galvanize communities, providing a shared sense of purpose and belonging that transcends individual achievements.
Go advocates for increased funding in sports programs particularly under the Philippine Sports Commission. He said more resources are vital for enhancing athlete training and preparation for international competitions, as well as developing grassroots programs to nurture young talents.
Through his legislative efforts, the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clary City, Tarlac was created under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. The NAS is designed to blend academic and athletic excellence, offering student-athletes access to top-notch facilities.
Go is also a key proponent of Senate Bill No. 2514, the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act. This bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework for a national sports program that integrates grassroots development with a broader national agenda.
He said this would combine grassroots sports promotion with the broader agenda of national sports development, a crucial step towards creating a cohesive sports infrastructure in the Philippines. The PNG bill already passed the final reading in the Senate.
Beyond competition, Go sees sports as a vital tool in steering young people away from drugs and other negative influences. “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” he urged, advocating for sports as a means to promote healthy lifestyles and deter youth from harmful activities.
