MANILA -- Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for qualifying in the FIBA World Cup, vowing to push for long-term sports development in the country.
Go, a senatorial aspirant in the May 13 mid-term polls, said he never doubted the ability of the men’s national basketball team.
“Congratulations sa ating (to our) Gilas team at (and) good luck sa ating kampanya sa (to our campaign in) FIBA!” Go said in a statement on Tuesday.
Go, head of the delegation of Gilas in the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, said he will continue to bridge athletes for them to receive proper support from the government.
"Kabilang po ang long term sports development sa aking mga prayoridad na isusulong kung palarin sa Senado hindi lang para sa kasalukuyang mga manlalaro kundi maging sa mga susunod na henerasyon (Long-term sports development will be one of my priorities if I win in the Senate, not only in the present but for the future generations as well)," Go said.
"Ang sports po ang isa sa mabisang paraan para mailayo natin ang mga kabataan sa iligal na droga at iba pang masasamang bisyo (Sports is one of the effective ways to veer away the youth from illegal drugs and other vices)," he added.
Gilas Pilipinas booked a ticket to the FIBA World Cup to be held in China from August to September this year after defeating host Kazakhstan, 93-75, early Monday (Philippine Time).
The Philippines will join fellow Asia-Pacific campaigners China, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Iran and Jordan in the tournament. (PNA)
