WITH interest in the adventure racing fading over the last decade, competition in obstacle sports is expected to pick next year.
Organizers of the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation believe so.
POSF president Atty. Alberto Agra said that a series of international events will be held this January that will shine the spotlight on the Philippines in the map of obstacle sports events.
“It’s been 10 months since our formation. And we’ll be having international competitions by January,” said Agra following their launch yesterday at the Solaire Hotel and Casino in Paranaque City.
In obstacle sports, competitors will have a footrace, that’s not like adventure racing, which involves the athlete using lots of gear and equipment.
The athlete involved must overcome various physical challenges that are in the form of obstacles, like climbing ropes, walls, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of water, crawling under barbed wire and jumping through fire.
Interest in the sport has brought about the birth of the POSF, which seeks to identify itself as a national sports association.
Agra said they are now seeking recognition from the Philippine Olympic Committee, and has sought the counsel of the Philippine Olympic Committee through secretary general Steve Hontiveros who attended the launch.
They have worked on their linkages, and are now in touch with Taiwan’s Kent Wong, who has his own group back home.
Ian Adamson, a prime mover in adventure racing, is also involved with the POSF, and he heads an international body himself. Peter Atencio
By January, the POSF will hold the first Asian Championship at the ASEANA City.
They are seeking the participation of 1,500 enthusiasts, with around 500 coming from many countries in Asia.