Recognizing the importance of the country’s campaign in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said he will help seek additional funding for Olympiad-bound national athletes.
Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Sports, made the pledge during the third Siklab Youth Sports Awards staged Monday night at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls, BGC in Taguig City, where he was feted with the “Sports Godfather” award.
The senator authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports (NAS), has been an ardent supporter of Philippine sports. This has led him to be recognized in the gala awards organized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee (PSC-POC) Media Group.
A total of 60 young athletes from 33 sports shared the limelight in the returning awards ceremony for the finest Filipino junior and youth athletes.
Meanwhile, Asian pole vault king Ernest John “EJ” Obiena was feted as this year’s “Sports Idol” awardee.
“This has been a long time coming. I’m so excited and happy to know that there is a platform and a way to recognize the greatness of youth athletes,” Obiena said in a video message shown during the awards night
Go For Gold Young Heroes Awardees were Gennah Malapit of athletics (javelin throw), fencers Andrea Sayson, Alexa Larrazabal, Rex Dela Cruz, gymnast Ancilla “Charlie’’ Manzano.
World Games champion Alyssa Kylie Mallari of muay, kickboxer Fitzchel Martine Fermato, jiu-jitsu’s Santino Luzuriaga, golfer Rianne Malixi and gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo were likewise honored.
The third edition of the award-giving ceremony for the nation’s top junior and youth athletes across all sports likewise presented a special citation to the Youth Football League and the Davao Aguilas Football Club of grassroots sports benefactors Mike Atayde and Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo’’ Atayde.
