Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Sunday expressed support for the launch of Juego de Esperanza, a community sports program in Zamboanga City aimed at promoting grassroots sports and encouraging greater participation among the youth, women and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Go’s message was delivered by a representative during the opening ceremony at the Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum. The event was organized by the Zamboanga City government led by Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso and Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco.

The senator said sports programs should remain accessible to local communities, describing them as platforms that promote unity, discipline and inclusion.

Go also reiterated his advocacy of using sports to encourage healthier lifestyles and steer young people away from illegal drugs.

“Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit,” the message added.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go said grassroots programs play an important role in developing future athletes while encouraging more Filipinos to become physically active.

He also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission for supporting community-based sports initiatives and expressed hope that Juego de Esperanza would inspire similar programs in other local government units.