A visit to support grassroots athletics turned into an impromptu act of generosity when Senator Christopher “Bong” Go gave the shoes off his feet to a local driver during a community event on Saturday.

The exchange occurred during the opening of the Mati City Basketball League Inter-Barangay 2026, where Go joined local players, coaches, and municipal officials at the citywide tournament.

During the program, Go removed his personal shoes and handed them directly to the driver, a resident of Mati City and a member of the local Muslim community.

The spontaneous gesture left the senator walking in his socks for part of the event as the recipient accepted the pair.

Go was in the province primarily to promote youth athletics and community sports programs, a primary focus of his role as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports.

“Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit,” Go told tournament participants, adding that sports help young Filipinos develop athletic skills alongside discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

Local officials attending the opening ceremony included Davao Oriental Vice Governor Glenda Rabat Gayta, Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario and Vice Mayor Enzo Rabat.

Also in attendance were Lupon Vice Mayor Chrence Go, Board Member Jerome Dayanghirang, Board Member Don Go Montojo and Provincial Sports director Peter Chiu.

The senator also acknowledged the Philippine Sports Commission and City Councilor Jose Paolo Luis Rabat, founder of the Mati Basketball League, for organizing the tournament for local barangay athletes.

“Let us remember that we only pass through this world once,” Go said in his address.