Inclusivity, support for PH para-athletes championed
SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go championed the value of sports in his address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Philippine National Para Games (PNPG) held on November 10, emphasizing not only the athletic achievements of the participants but also their perseverance and determination in the face of challenges.
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports and Committee on Youth, Go lauded the dedication of athletes competing across various sports, including archery, badminton, boccia, chess, swimming, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, athletics, and powerlifting.
“Sa ating mga atleta na sumali sa iba’t ibang sports… tunay po kayong inspirasyon. Ang inyong determinasyon na magtagumpay… ay nagpapakita ng inyong lakas ng loob at sipag na magsilbing huwaran para sa lahat,” Go declared, underscoring the athletes’ inspirational resilience and their role as role models.
Go reiterated his commitment to advancing sports in the country, stressing that sports are not only about competition but also vital for overall well-being.
“Naniniwala po ako na ang sports ay hindi lamang para sa kumpetisyon, kundi para rin sa ikabubuti ng ating kalusugan at kalidad ng buhay,” he noted, reinforcing his advocacy for promoting sports as a means to stay healthy and avoid harmful behaviors.
His well-known campaign, “get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” reflects his vision of a society where sports instill discipline, cooperation, and respect among its citizens.
The PNPG, held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and the Philsports Complex in Pasig City from November 10 to 14, is a key national competition for athletes with disabilities, providing a pathway to national representation in prestigious international competitions such as the ASEAN Para Games and the Paralympics.
With approximately 903 registered athletes, the PNPG plays a significant role in fostering inclusivity and representation in Philippine sports.
For Go, he expressed admiration to para-athletes who are often labeled as PWDs or “persons with disabilities” and would rather refer to them as “persons with determination.” He highlighted the legislative support he has spearheaded for Philippine sports, particularly for such athletes with utmost determination to excel.
He authored and principally sponsored Senate Bill No. 2789, which aims to amend RA 10699, to increase incentives for para-athletes to align them with the rewards given to their non-disabled counterparts who are considered elite athletes if enacted into law. The bill also aims to ensure equal access to opportunities and resources for all athletes, advocating for inclusive progress in the Philippine sports sector.
Go also facilitated a financial grant in partnership with PSC to support Filipino para-athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Each Filipino paralympian received financial support of P500,000.
As the principal author and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2514, the Philippine National Games bill, Go outlined its aim to also institutionalize the PNPG, recognizing the importance of an inclusive platform for all athletes.
