Obiena announces launch of Ilocos Norte pole vault facility

MANILA, Philippines -- Filipino Olympic pole vaulter EJ Obiena’s dream is now a step closer to reality.

Obiena on Monday evening announced that a new facility for pole vault will be unveiled on November 22.

The facility is located at the Marcos Stadium in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, he bared in a Facebook post.

The 28-year-old athlete, in his post, said that more than bringing home an Olympic medal for the Philippines, he is dreaming of seeing more Filipinos excel in pole vault.

“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,” the social media post read.

“I am so happy to announce the dream now begins to become a reality. I am proud to announce our first new facility shall be commissioned with a ribbon cutting ceremony this coming November 22, at 4:00 p.m. at Marcos Stadium, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, Luzon!” he added.

He stressed that he believes pole vaulting “is an Olympic sport Filipinos can excel in.”

“We can be globally competitive year after year,” he said.

Obiena said that he will fly in to kickstart the event. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a coaching clinic and a pole vault seminar will follow, “to kickstart and create a sustainable program for the region.”

The World No. 4-ranked Obiena said that he is hoping that the Ilocos facility will be the first of many new facilities he aims to build for the youth.