Filipino pole vaulter and Olympian EJ Obiena will be pushing for what he calls the "6-meter initiative" that aims to build the next generation of world-class vaulters in the Philippines.
"To build a next generation of world class vaulters, all we need is talent, dedication, and FACILITIES," the World No. 3 pole vaulter said in a Facebook post on Friday.
Obiena believes that Filipinos already possess the talent and dedication needed to pursue the sport. However, there is a significant lack of facilities to support training and to discover more Filipinos interested in pole vaulting.
"Well, we raised enough for not one, not two, but THREE new facilities!" Obiena mentioned.
"It’s incredible. And it’s just a start of my “6 meter initiative”. To make sure I am only the first in a long line of Filipino 6 meter vaulters!!!" he added.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Filipino athlete expressed his gratitude to every supporter who attended and participated in the 'High-flying Hangout' event he and his team organized on September 15.
"I am so thankful to have such amazing support from my people, the people that came from every corner of the country, from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, to come and meet. I am so honored and so touched. I am humbled beyond words. Maraming Salamat po," said Obiena.
His meet-and-greet event was held at Ayala Malls Manila Bay and featured special guests and fellow Filipino athletes: Jamie Lim, Hali Long, and Alyssa Valdez.
