The Manila Times

Bong Go commends IBO champ Apolinario

JAVIER JOE ISMAEL

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, sponsored the Senate resolution he had earlier filed commending and congratulating Davemark “Dave” Apolinario for winning the International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight crown at the International Convention Center in East London, South Africa.

In his sponsorship speech on Monday, August 8, Go extended his utmost praise to Apolinario for exemplifying the unrelenting Filipino spirit of competitiveness during his match.

“He dominated early on in the opening round after delivering a huge left straight punch, scoring a first round stoppage against his South African foe, Gideon Butlehezi, with an exclamation point,” said Go.

“His remarkable win paved the way for claiming his first world title after he captured the IBO flyweight title and improving his unbeaten boxing record of 17 wins, 0 defeats, with 12 knockouts,” he added.

Go also remarked that the 23-yearold boxer from Sarangani province has proven to be an indomitable boxer, as he is “now recognized as one of the promising fighters our country has produced.”

It is for this reason, Go said, that he sought to give due distinction and recognition for the impeccable performance of Apolinario, which “has inspired many Filipinos athletes to soar to greater heights in their respective fields of sport.”

Meanwhile, as Senate Sports Committee chairman, Go said that successes delivered by Filipino athletes like Apolinario are truly heartwarming as they were achieved despite the challenges brought by the pandemic.

The senator then assured Filipinos that he will continue to push for the promotion and advancement of sports development programs in the country.

Speaking to the athletes, the senator also assured them that the glory and honor they have given to the country will be forever etched in Philippine sports history.

“All of you have become pillars of strength and great sources of inspiration to our fellow countrymen that continue to give us hope in the face of adversity,” he said.

“Each and every one of you has proven time and again your undying devotion to our country’s cause,” added the senator.

Go has long been highlighting the importance of sports in nationbuilding. According to him, aside from honing the skills of budding Filipino athletes, sports will help them stay away from illegal drugs and criminality.

The senator earlier authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports System (NAS) and Main Campus at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac.

The NAS is a government-run academy aimed at developing the country’s future athletes by offering quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports.

Go also joined former president Rodrigo Duterte during the groundbreaking of the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) last June 17 in Bagac, Bataan.

He had earlier pushed for the funding of the site development and preparation of the Master Development Plan of the center. It is targeted to be completed by 2024.

The PSTC aims to promote sports in the country, achieve excellence in international sports and promote international goodwill among nations. It shall cater to athletes in various sports, including swimming, basketball and volleyball, among others.

Go also filed in the 19th Congress the Philippine National Games Act of 2022. The measure aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development.

The bill shall address other Olympic and Asian Games sports, which have proven to give the country more medals in international competitions, but are not regularly included in Palarong Pambansa or any other sports programs in the country.

Sports

en-ph

2022-08-11T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-11T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://digitaledition.manilatimes.net/article/282110640382273

The Manila Times