Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Youth and Sports, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards on 5 December, held at the Market! Market! Activity Center in Bonifacio Global City. The event celebrated outstanding young athletes and sports advocates, highlighting their achievements in grassroots and international competitions.

Senator Go, the sole recipient of this year's award, was recognized for his unwavering support for Philippine sports and young athletes. In his speech, Go reaffirmed his commitment to empowering youth through sports and education.

“Ako po, with or without award, magseserbisyo ako sa aking kapwa Pilipino at mga atleta. Sa mga kabataan po, please lang, mag-aral kayo nang mabuti. Kayo ang kinabukasan ng bayang ito,” he said.

(With or without an award, I will continue to serve fellow Filipinos and athletes. To our youth, please study hard, because the future is in your hands.)

A Legacy of advocacy for youth and sports

The Siklab Youth Sports Awards honored 85 individuals across various categories, including Sports Idol, Para Youth Stars, and Rising Stars. Go’s legislative contributions, such as the creation of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac under Republic Act No. 11470 and the proposed Philippine National Games Act, were also lauded during the event.

Go highlighted key milestones during his term, including the country's first Olympic gold medal courtesy of Hidilyn Diaz and twin gymnastics golds from Carlos Yulo.

"Magtulungan po tayo para sa sports. Bilang chairman ng (Senate) Committees on Health, Youth and Sports, naniniwala po ako na konektado ang health at sports. If we are physically fit, mas hahaba ang ating buhay," he urged.

(Let's work together to develop sports. As chairman of the Senate Committees on Health, Youth, and Sports, I believe that sports and health are connected. If we are physically fit, we will live longer.)

Enhancing Philippine sports infrastructure

As a staunch advocate for grassroots sports development, Go has consistently championed increased budgets for sports programs, securing funding for the repair of key facilities like the Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Philsports Arena. He emphasized the importance of providing athletes with proper training environments and support systems to ensure competitive performance on the international stage.

“Minsan lang po tayong dadaan sa mundong ito. Anumang tulong ang puwede nating ibigay sa kapwa... ay gawin na natin ngayon,” Go said, reiterating his lifelong commitment to public service and youth empowerment.

(We only live once. However we can help others, let's do it now.)