Go shares passion for sports with champs

MANILA, Philippines — A basketball legend, Olympic champions, and the next generation of Filipino sporting talent came together at the Senate office of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go for a gathering marked by friendly banter and a shared passion for sports.

What began as a casual exchange offered a glimpse into Go’s longstanding relationship with the Philippine sports community and his continuing advocacy for athletes across generations.

Among his visitors were Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) Commissioner and Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Benjie Paras; two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and his younger brother, fellow gymnastics medalist Eldrew Yulo, accompanied by their trainer Jossman Paul Garcia; and Olympic boxing silver medalist Carlo Paalam, together with Coach Mario Fernandez.

The gathering brought together personalities representing different eras of Philippine sports, from Paras, the PBA’s first and only Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, to Olympic medalists who have carried the Philippine flag onto the world’s biggest sporting stages.

According to Go, who has consistently advocated greater recognition and assistance for Filipino competitors, meeting athletes and coaches remains part of his engagement with the sporting community.

Go’s involvement in Philippine sports extends well beyond these informal encounters. Since assuming the chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Sports in 2019, he has consistently pushed for stronger government support for national athletes, improved training facilities, grassroots sports development, and expanded opportunities for young Filipinos.