Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena just earned his gold medal in the SEA Games for the third time and all of us are nothing but proud. Like any athlete, he wants nothing more than to give back and contribute to the future of his beloved sport.
In the hopes of inspiring more Filipino pole vaulters, EJ Obiena will be putting his shoes up for auction to help raise money for pole vaulting in the country.
Image credit: EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena via Facebook
Last Monday, 8th May, EJ Obiena was able to defend his gold medal for the third time in the SEA Games at the Morodok Techo National Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Image credit: EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena via Facebook
Despite the weather change and slight delay, Obiena was able to win the gold. He also set a new record of clearing 5.65 meters during the men’s pole vault competition.
His winning the gold medal is counted as the 19th gold medal won for the Philippines in the 32nd SEA Games.
Image credit: @INQUIRERSports via Twitter
According to Filipino reporters, Obiena plans to put his gold-winning customized Puma spikes up for auction. This is to help aspiring Filipino pole vaulters in the future.
Obiena hopes that the funds raised from the auction will help open a new, or at least a second-hand, pole vault pit around a provincial area. He expressed, “We need more pole vaulters in the Philippines.”
While the auction doesn’t guarantee anything for future pole vaulters in the Philippines, EJ Obiena has made it his mission to grow a community in this particular sport.
No matter how the auction goes, Obiena aims to further this cause for the betterment of his country, the Philippines.
If you want to read more about EJ Obiena, check out EJ Obiena representing the SEA Games. For more current affairs in the Philippines, visit The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: EJ Obiena – Ernest Obiena via Facebook, @INQUIRERSports via Twitter
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