By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Some of the world’s top 10 pole vaulters are going to showcase their class, and perhaps inspire young Filipinos to take the demanding sport, when they vie in the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge set on Sept. 20 to 21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.
The event is part of the initiative by two-time Olympian EJ Obiena, who is also slated to compete alongside his international peers.
Sanctioned by World Athletics, the tournament will come just right after the World Athletics Championships set from Sept. 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Japan.
Invited athletes have also yet to be disclosed, but Obiena said he is keeping in touch with his peers that include world record holder Mondo Duplantis.
“This has been a dream: to bring a world-class event to the Philippines as I hope this could inspire future generations of athletes,” said Obiena in a press conference held online.
“We also want to showcase our country’s abilities to host such huge international-level competition,” he added.
Though nothing is definite yet, expect pre-event activities happening on Sept. 20, with the competition proper set on Sept. 21.
“This event is like a baby of mine that I can finally see through. Definitely I’m not gonna miss this for the world,” said Obiena, who is collaborating with Atletang Ayala, the MVP Sports Foundation and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) in making this event successful.
Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala also shared his excitement in this endeavor.
“Ayala has been an organization that has always wanted to align with national development goals, and sports is one of the initiatives that drives positive outcomes that we all want to see in the society,” he said.
Atletang Ayala program head Jasmine Alkhaldi also echoed these sentiments.
“Atletang Ayala’s mission aligns with EJ’s (Obiena) aspirations for Filipino athletes and for Philippine sports in general. We want to raise the PH flag when it comes to both athletic excellence and hosting high-level sports events,” the Olympian swimmer said.
“The event hits these two aims with one goal. Through this, we will spotlight Filipino sporting excellence and show the world that the country is becoming a hot spot for developing athletic talent and hosting international sporting events,” she added.
