Go fetes kickboxers

Even if we’re not known in the world of kickboxing, the performance of our team is still commendable.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go co-authored a bill with Sen. Miguel Zubiri that commends the national kickboxing team following its impressive performance in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Go, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, said even if the country is not known as a kickboxing country, the national athletes still displayed commendable performance in the prestigious biennial meet.

The Samahang Kickboxing ng Pilipinas clinched three gold medals, two silver medals and a bronze medal to emerge as one of the most successful federations.

“Even if we’re not known in the world of kickboxing, the performance of our team is still commendable,” said Go, adding that kickboxing federation president Sen. Francis Tolentino did a good job in steering the athletes to victory.

“Your leadership and dedication is instrumental in the victory of our team.”

The national athletes shut down their campaign in the SEA Games as overall champions with 149 gold, 118 silver and 120 bronze medals.

It is their second SEA Games overall crown since winning it in the 23rd edition when Manila hosted it in 2005.

“All Filipino athletes, wherever they compete, showed courage and skills over their opponents,” the lawmaker, an avid sports fan, said.

“What they achieved made a mark in the hearts and minds of our countrymen.”

“Thank you to our athletes. You inspire all of us in the government to do more for Philippine sports and for our country in general.”

The national athletes will be trooping to Malacañang Palace on Wednesday to receive their cash incentives from no less than President Rodrigo Duterte.

But the Chief Executive will give them more than that.

“Those who emerged with medals will be given honor by the President,” he said.