SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go reiterated his strong support for the National Academy of Sports (NAS) and its role in empowering the Filipino youth.

Go met with school officials and representatives from the Commission on Higher Education and the Department of Education to discuss the continued development of NAS and broader initiatives in youth education and sports.

During the visit, he dropped by a classroom session, exchanging warm greetings with surprised and excited students—a lighthearted moment that allowed him to connect informally with learners.

He also joined NAS students from Grades 7 to 11 to personally award winners of a frisbee competition held earlier that day.

In a message to student-athletes, faculty, and officials, Go emphasized that NAS—established through Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored—is a realization of a long-held dream: to provide a space where young Filipinos can pursue both sports and academics without having to sacrifice one for the other.

“Pwede na mag-training at the same time mag-aral. Wala pong masasakripisyo,” Go said.

Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, NAS follows a unique dual-track system that combines quality secondary education with a specialized sports curriculum, enabling students to develop both their athletic and academic potential.

“As one of the authors and co-sponsors, this was a dream of mine—to establish a school where student-athletes can study and train at the same time. When I became senator in 2019, I pushed for two major initiatives: the Malasakit Center and the National Academy of Sports,” he shared.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Health, Sports, and Youth, Go highlighted the deep connection between athletics and education in shaping discipline, resilience, and good health among the country’s future leaders.

“The success of NAS is a victory for the Filipino youth,” he said. “Even before I joined the Senate, I dreamed of having an institution like NAS—an academy where students don’t have to choose between sports and studies. They can pursue both without compromise.”

Reinforcing his vision for inclusivity and national representation, Go also engaged students in lighthearted conversations about their hometowns and regions.