Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s vision of nurturing homegrown talent is taking a significant step forward with the announcement of a new pole vault facility. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for November 22 at Marcos Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, a project he revealed through a Facebook post on Monday evening.
“My dream is, the Philippines being a global force in pole vault doesn’t end with me. It continues on for generations to follow. And I can help make this happen by raising money for new facilities in the provinces,” Obiena shared.
The 28-year-old athlete, currently ranked World No. 4, expressed his hopes that this new facility will mark the beginning of a larger initiative to provide essential training grounds for aspiring athletes. Obiena emphasized that pole vaulting is an Olympic sport where Filipinos have the potential to thrive on the global stage.
“We can be globally competitive year after year,” he stated, underscoring his belief in the country’s potential in the sport.
To commemorate the launch, Obiena will attend the ceremony and lead a coaching clinic and pole vault seminar aimed at fostering sustainable development in the region. This initiative marks the start of what he hopes will be numerous facilities built to inspire and train future generations of Filipino pole vaulters.
