PH to host 'world-class' pole vault tournament in September

MANILA, July 13 ------ The Philippines is set to welcome some of the world’s top pole vaulters in September.

Makati will be the home for EJ Obiena and other pole vault stars from September 20 to 21, as a “world-class” tournament will be held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. “This is gonna be so amazing, to bring this in the Philippines,” an emotional Obiena said during an online press conference. “I’ve always wanted to do this since the time that I competed in Europe. It’s hard to go to a stadium, but it’s easier for Filipinos to see it in the heart of the city,” he added.

The tournament proper, which will be held on September 21, is an event that is sanctioned by the World Athletics, the Asian Athletics, and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA). “These events are hard to be a part of the calendar, so World Athletics is so kind to us,” said Obiena. “And this is not an exhibition. If we see a world record, it’s gonna be there [on record]. If anyone breaks a national record, it’s gonna be there.”

Obiena did not reveal who the participants will be just yet, but he teased that the world’s best pole vaulters will be seeing action in Makati. “It’s not that hard to convince these guys to come to the Philippines,” he said. “But we’re inviting the top pole vaulters. That's gonna be after the World Championships, and we’re gonna announce it as soon as the competition dates come.”

Obiena also reaffirmed that he will be competing in the tilt himself, especially since the country’s hosting of a pole vault event anew has been a dream of his. “I’ll be there. This is for the world, and this is something that I’ve been really pushing. I’m thankful that it's finally happening. It’s almost like a baby of mine that finally, I can see,” he said. “I’m not gonna miss this for the world.” “The last time that I’ve done that was in the Southeast Asian Games. Competing in a home crowd is different, the screams and the warm reception, and the pressure to perform is at an all-time high, so as an athlete, I'm excited to be there,” he added. Aside from fulfilling his own dream, Obiena also wants this event to spark the next crop of Filipino pole vaulters. “I hope this can inspire future generations of athletes,” he said.

Before the tournament proper on September 21, pre-event festivities are expected to be held on September 20 at the same venue. Meanwhile, as for retirement rumors that swirled following his “cryptic” post that eventually turned out to be for the announcement of the said event, this is what he had to say: “I’m not retiring, not just yet.”

Source: news.abs-cbn.com