SENATE Committee on Sports Chairman Christopher ‘Bong’ Go on Monday applauded the success of various sportsfests in different universities across the country.

Go cited sportsfests in Bulacan State University held last April 2-4; followed by Cebu Technological University’s Carmen Campus from April 14 to 17; and finally, the University of Makati from April 20 to 21.

The events resulted from collaborative efforts initiated by sports advocates in the Senate led by Senator Juan Edgardo Angara and in coordination with Go and Senator Pia Cayetano.

Go has been vocal about the benefits of sports, advocating for it as a deterrent against the allure of criminality and vices, particularly illegal drugs.

“Nagtulungan kami ni Senator Sonny Angara at Senator Pia Cayetano sa pagdaraos ng mga palarong ito. Layunin naming makita ang bawat kabataang Pilipino na lumalaki na malusog, masigla, at higit sa lahat, malayo sa bisyo,” said Go.

“Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit. Ang sports ay hindi lamang isang paraan para manatiling fit, ngunit ito rin ay mahalaga sa paghubog ng karakter, disiplina ng kabataan tungo sa maging produktibong mamamayan. Sa pamamagitan ng sports, natututunan natin ang kahalagahan ng teamwork, dedikasyon, at pagharap sa mga hamon ng buhay na may positibong pananaw,” he continued.

Recognizing the formative impact of athletics, Go actively encourages educators and parents to guide their children toward sports and other productive activities.

“Sa suporta ng bawat isa, kasama na ang ating mga guro, magulang, at komunidad, ako ay kumpiyansang mas magiging makabuluhan at masaya ang sportsfest na ito. Hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa na aktibong lumahok, suportahan ang ating mga kabataang atleta, at ipakita ang tunay na diwa ng palakasan— ang pagkakaisa, integridad, at kasiyahan,” Go encouraged.