In the midst of his Paris Olympics’ preparations, Filipino top pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena still exemplifies dedication beyond the athletic field.
In a successful fundraising campaign for grassroots’ pole vault development, Obiena auctioned personal items from his recent triumphs on the world stage, extending gratitude to generous donors for supporting the Philippine Pole Vaulting community.
“Our auction and donations have come to an end. A big thanks to our generous donors who have shown their support on this project and took on the challenge to help the Philippine Pole Vaulting youth community,” said the world no. 2 pole vault athlete on his social media post.
The auction, featuring items he used in the Southeast Asian Games and the World Championships, successfully concluded, with Obiena extending congratulations to the fortunate winners.
Obiena, however, did not reveal the amount raised.
“Congratulations to those who have won! Your support as I “katapult” this dream means a lot. Thank you to all those who have participated in this project,” added Obiena, who is now in La Nucia, Spain for his training camp for next year’s Paris Olympics.
Among the auctioned items were his Puma Spike shoes and uniforms from the Cambodia SEA Games, uniforms worn during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, and the Puma speed suit utilized in the 2023 World Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
Obiena, a former skinny kid from Tondo, transformed into a global pole vault sensation, places premium on cultivating the potential of young athletes to evolve into elite competitors.
Acknowledged with the Sports Idol award by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and affiliated national sports associations, Obiena humbly expressed his gratitude for the honor.
“I give thanks with humility to the PSC-POC Media Group, to our sports officials, and to all the people involved in giving me the honor of being Sports Idol. More than the honor, I take pride in your recognition of my efforts to inspire young Filipino athletes to become future sports heroes. I know that with PSC, the POC, and the other stakeholders to support our athletes, from grassroots to elite, we can bring Philippine sports to heights we have never reached before.”
In addition to his sports development initiatives, Obiena actively engages in social welfare programs. Teaming up with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Mandaluyong and his sponsors, he conducted a medical mission for children in Katutubo Village, Porac, Pampanga, last year.