TWO-TIME Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena is set to open a new pole vault facility in Ilocos Norte this month, bringing him closer to one of his “biggest dreams” — advancing the sport in the Philippines.
The facility is located at the 12,000-capacity Marcos Stadium in Laoag, dedicated to track and field events. It will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 22.
The Thomasian pole vault star said he would fly to the Philippines to personally lead the launch, which would be followed by a pole vault coaching clinic and seminar.
“My dream is [that] the Philippines’s being a global force in pole vault [won’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 wrote.
“I am so happy to announce the dream now begins to become a reality.”
Project organizer Kath Vergel told the Varsitarian that Obiena would donate equipment for the facility, including pole vault standards, landing foams, and other components of the pole vault pit, and poles.
Obiena said he has long aspired to grow the sport in the country, a goal that extends beyond personal success.
“I will be the first to admit I have dreams relating to pole vault. Yes, I do harbor a dream of bringing home an Olympic medal for the Philippines. I dream of making my country proud…But, to be honest I have an even bigger dream in vaulting than medals,” he said.
Obiena said building facilities could help nurture homegrown talents, citing fellow Thomasian athlete and SEA Games silver medalist Hokett de los Santos as an example of what athletes can achieve with adequate support.
“I believe this is an Olympic sport Filipinos can excel in. We can be globally competitive year after year,” he said. “To achieve this, we need facilities around our far-ranging country. We have the talent and the dedication. We just need facilities.”
In September, Obiena unveiled plans to scout for strategic locations to build pole vaulting facilities as part of his “Six Meter Initiative.”
He also shared with the Varsitarian his vision of developing a robust talent pool in the Philippines to support young athletes with Olympic potential.
READ: EJ Obiena aspires to help PH produce its ‘own Mondo Duplantis,’ ‘another Carlos Yulo’
Obiena said the Laoag facility would be the “first of many new facilities I am to build for our children and our future in the sport.”
