Senator Alan Peter Cayetano emphasized the urgent need to enhance grassroots sports development in the country, noting that the two-time gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo started training at the age of seven.
“We really need to revitalize our grassroots sports program. The next generation of Carlos Yulos are out there, pero mag-uumpisa ‘yan with our schools and communities rallying behind their local sports programs,” Cayetano said.
In 2019 when the veteran legislator chaired the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), he commended the huge potential of young and upcoming athletes and vouched to support them in any way, among them Carlos Yulo.
The seasoned lawmaker joined the nation in celebrating Yulo’s twin gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, highlighting it as a critical opportunity for the country to advance its sports development initiatives.
“Congratulations and thank you Carlos Yulo for bringing more glory and honor to the Philippines… A medal for the Philippines through God’s grace!” the senator wrote on his Facebook page after Yulo’s gold medal performance in the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Floor Exercise.
“Your journey from the playgrounds of Malate to the Olympic stadium in Paris is a true inspiration for every Filipino.”
“Your journey from the playgrounds of Malate to the Olympic stadium in Paris is a true inspiration for every Filipino. Along the way you have shown what sacrifice, commitment, and the Filipino spirit can achieve,” he added.
Cayetano’s praise continued the following night after Yulo reigned in the Men’s Vault competition.
“Praise God! Caloy honors the whole country again! The entire nation is proud of you and your historic performance!” the long-time sports enthusiast said.
“Do not underestimate the impact you have made in our lives.”
“We celebrate sports, but we also celebrate our people… All of you athletes who inspired us make us proud. Do not underestimate the impact you have made in our lives,” he said at the closing ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“Today we are better people because of you,” Cayetano concluded.
