Senator Christopher "Bong" Go paid tribute to the nation's young athletes during the 2023 Siklab Youth Sports Awards at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Taguig City last Monday.

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the event honored athletes under 18 from diverse sports.

Go, hailed as the "Godfather of the Year," recognized the collective efforts in advancing Philippine sports, saying that he will always be supportive to the national athletes.

"I am very grateful to be recognized as 'Godfather of the Year.' This kind of recognition is not just for me, but also for everybody who continues to support and contribute to the development of sports in the country," said Go, an avid sports fan and supporter.

"With or without this award, I will always help and support our athletes and everybody in the sports industry."

Reflecting on the journey since the first Siklab Youth Sports Awards, Go reminisced about past awardees like Carlos Yulo of gymnastics and Chezka Centeno of billiards, who continue to inspire the youth.

"I can still remember the first Siklab Youth Sports Awards where we recognized the likes of Carlos Yulo and Chezka Centeno," Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, said, adding that Yulo and Centeno went on to have stellar international careers.

The lawmakers also spoke about the importance of sports in shaping the character and future of the youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence.

He stressed the significance of advancing grassroots sports development and highlighted his efforts in establishing the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Tarlac, through Republic Act 11470, enabling student-athletes to pursue education alongside sports.

Go was one of the authors and co-sponsors of the measure.

"The NAS is already here where students can both train and study," he said.

"They don't have to sacrifice anything because all the sports facilities like that of track and field and swimming pool are already inside the school compound."

"Before, student-athletes are having a hard time training while studying. Now, it's no longer the case. They can now train and study at the same time."

The Siklab Youth Sports Awards, now in its third year, continues to be a pivotal platform for recognizing and inspiring the country's young sports talents.

With the likes of Hidilyn Diaz and Meggie Ochoa as previous honorees, the awards stand as a testament to the growing sports culture in the country.