National athletes can now enjoy free obstacle training

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Olympic Committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation, which will provide free obstacle training to all national sports associations recognized by the POC.

POC president Ricky Vargas recently signed the agreement with POSF president Atty. Al Agra in the presence of POC secretary-general Patrick Gregorio, deputy sec-gen Karen Caballero and POSF sec-gen James Bungubung.

Agra, president of the Asian Obstacle Course Race Federation, said obstacle training serves as a perfect cross-training for athletes of any particular sport.

"It develops flexibility, speed, strength, core and mental toughness," said Agra, who also serves as head counsel of the POC.

Last April, close to a hundred athletes, coaches and officials from a dozen sports joined the first POC-NSAs Obstacle Team Building Challenge at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.

Boxers Charlie Suarez and Josie Gabuco ruled the individual categories in the stadium race of 14 obstacles over one kilometer.