In a statement, the senator, serving as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, underscored his dedication to seasoned and budding Filipino athletes.
"I wish every athlete and every coach of the entire Philippine delegation to the Paris Olympics good luck," declared Go, emphasizing the significance of the event in fostering national unity and pride.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Filipinos in recent days due to the weather calamities but remained hopeful about the Filipino Olympians’ potential on the international stage.
“Isa itong malaking rason upang magkaisa tayo para sa bansa sa kabila ng mga hamon sa katatagan ng ating mga mamamayan nitong mga nakaraang araw dala ng bagyong Carina at habagat,” he said.
“Hangad at dasal natin na sana ay makasungkit na naman tayo muli ng medalya sa Olympics,” added Go.
This year's Olympic team is the largest since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, with 22 athletes across various disciplines poised to represent the Philippines.
In athletics, notable participants include EJ Obiena competing in pole vault, Lauren Hoffman in 400m hurdles, and John Cabang Tolentino in 110m hurdles.
The boxing team boasts talents like Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan, and Aira Villegas. Gymnastics will feature competitors such as Carlos Yulo, Emma Malabuyo, Aleah Finnegan, and Levi Ruivivar.
Other athletes include Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina in golf, Samantha Catantan in fencing, Kiyomi Watanabe in judo, and Jarod Hatch and Kayla Noelle Sanchez in swimming. Rowing and weightlifting participants include Joanie Delgaco, Elreen Ando, Vanessa Sarno, and John Ceniza.
Go maintained his commitment to supporting the athletes, reflecting his role in overseeing sports development and athlete support in the Philippines.
"As the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I reaffirm my continued full support for our athletes competing on the international stage as well as those at the grassroots aspiring to become our future champions," he affirmed.
Addressing the athletes directly, Go imparted motivational words to inspire and remind them of the unique honor and lifetime prestige their participation brings to the nation.
“Sa muli, good luck sa ating mga manlalaro. Lagi ninyong tandaan na isang beses lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kaya anumang karangalan ang pwede nating ialay sa bansa, ay ibigay na natin ngayon,” the senator reminded.
“Ang inyong pagiging Olympians ay isang karangalan na alay nyo sa bansa panghabang-buhay. At ang inyong magiging tagumpay ay tagumpay rin ng buong sambayanang Pilipino,” he added.
The senator concluded with a passionate plea, "Ipamalas ninyo sa mundo ang pusong Pilipino na patuloy na lumalaban anumang pagsubok ang darating. Laban Pilipinas! Go for Gold!"
Senator Go has also continuously pushed for increased budget for sports programs as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. This funding aims to significantly improve Filipino athletes' preparation, training, and competitive performance on the international stage while launching effective programs to cultivate the talents of young and aspiring sports enthusiasts at the grassroots level.
Go, alongside the Philippine Sports Commission, has provided significant financial support to the athletes participating in the Paris Olympics. During a ceremony at the PSC office in Manila in June, Go and PSC officials distributed checks worth PhP500,000 to each Olympian for their preparations.
Throughout his tenure, Go has been a consistent supporter of Filipino athletes on the international stage. His contributions have been instrumental not only during the Olympic Games but also across other major competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, as well as the Asian Games.
In 2019, Go also played a key part in securing a sponsorship arrangement between Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Hidilyn Diaz, which was used to help fund her training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In 2021, Go also supported the PSC’s proposal in advocating for additional allowances and incentives for Filipinos who participated and won in 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in Japan.
The Tokyo Olympics marked the Philippines' most successful Olympic campaign to date, highlighted by weightlifter Diaz clinching the country's first-ever gold medal. Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam each secured silver medals, while their fellow boxer, Eumir Marcial, earned a bronze, contributing to a historic medal haul for the nation.
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