Olympian EJ Obiena laid his intentions to POC president (and Tagaytay City Mayor) Bambol Tolentino to set up an invitational competition next year which will see some of the sport’s greatest players.
Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena has laid out his plans to bring his world-class pole vaulting competitors to the Philippines in an invitational competition in 2023 for the Filipino fans.
The World No. 3 is looking to bring World No. 1 and 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold winner Armand Duplantis of Sweden, World No. 2 and 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Chris Nilsen of the United States, No. 4 and 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalist Thiago Braz of Brazil to name a few to showcase their talents in his country.
He also revealed that he has some three-dozen world class pole vaulters, both men and women in mind to bring over.
According to Obiena, the setup will be more or less similar to those in Europe in which it will resemble a street venue with the runway, the box, crossbars and landing area are all portable or collapsible.
“The objective is to bring them here after the outdoor season’s over,” Obiena told Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in his return to the Philippines after his hugely successful outdoor season.
Tolentino could not agree more and even suggested the star-studded event to be held at The Picnic Grove, one of Tagaytay City's famous tourist attractions where he serves as the city’s mayor.
“With the Taal Volcano as backdrop, what more could you ask for—a world-class pole vault action in one of the most picturesque tourist attractions in the country,” Tolentino said.
Considering that the place already attracts much attention, he stressed that the venue would then be spectator-friendly and would result in a boost in tourism.
“It’s great for tourism and the Philippines will be in the international pole vaulting map,” Tolentino said. “It’s very doable despite next year’s busy schedule. It’s going to be a big event so we have to plan this carefully.”
“This is going to be historic that’s why I am pushing for it,” Obiena added as he stated that pole vault is a standard sport and is pushing the PSC, local government units and big business to put up more pole vaulting venues around the country.
Tags: #olympics, #polevault, #sports