THE story of young Isabella Roan Ramirez, a nine-year-old swimmer hailing from Manatal, Pandi, Bulacan, exemplifies the potent influence of community and governmental support in fostering athletic talent.
Her journey to the Asia Open Schools Invitational Swimming Championships 2024, held earlier this February, encapsulates a dream realized through the dedicated efforts of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Sports.
When the Ramirez family reached out for assistance, Go, through the Philippine Sports Commission, promptly responded with the necessary financial support to ensure Isabella could compete on this prestigious international stage.
This proactive approach is part of Go’s broader commitment to ensure that young Filipino athletes have the opportunities they need to excel.
In reflecting on the success of young athletes like Isabella, Go emphasized the importance of community support in sports. “Every young athlete deserves a chance to compete, learn, and succeed. Supporting them is not just about funding—it’s about building a future where every child can dream big and achieve bigger dreams,” said the senator.
Isabella’s participation at the Championships marked a significant milestone in her athletic career and served as a testament to the potential of Filipino athletes to compete globally.
As Go looks to the future, his focus remains steadfast on enhancing the support systems for young talents nationwide.
“Our commitment extends beyond the water of the swimming pools to every court, field, and track where our youth strive for greatness. We will continue to invest in these young dreams and watch them soar to their fullest potential,” he stated.
The senator authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS). Located in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, the NAS is a government-run institution that provides a secondary education integrated with a specialized sports curriculum.
“Kung meron po kayong mga estudyante na gustong mag-aral at the same time, mag-training; gusto mag-training at the same time, mag-aral. Walang masasakripisyo, diyan po yan sa New Clark City may National Academy of Sports. Ating isinulong ito noong nakaraang administrasyon ni dating pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte,” Go remarked.
Still, in line with his advocacy as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 2514, which he authored and principally sponsored, known as the proposed Philippine National Games Act. This legislation aims to establish a comprehensive framework for a national sports program, merging grassroots sports promotion with the broader agenda of national sports development. The measure passed its third and final reading in the Senate on May 20.
Go reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare and development of Filipino athletes, encouraging more young individuals to pursue sports especially those in the grassroots.
“Sa bawat pawis at pagsisikap ninyo, nakikita natin ang tunay na diwa ng pagkakaisa at determinasyon. Patuloy tayong kumilos at magbigay inspirasyon sa kabataan na yakapin ang palakasan bilang parte ng kanilang buhay,” he urged.
“Patuloy rin nating ienganyo ang kabataan to get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs and keep healthy and fit. Ako naman po, bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa abot ng aking makakaya dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo sa inyong lahat,” he ended.
