Filipino pole vault icon EJ Obiena took to social media on Monday, September 3, to announce that the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge, which he and his team had organized to take place in September, has been postponed and will not push through as originally planned.
Obiena’s team had organized the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge, a “world-class” pole vault meet scheduled for September at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. However, the event has now been postponed to next year after he sustained a fracture in his spine, which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Dear All:
— EJ Obiena (@ejobienapv) September 2, 2024
I have good news and bad news.
Most people prefer (including myself) to save the best for last, so let me start with the bad news. pic.twitter.com/zgSm1casSD
However, the 28-year-old will now hold a meet-and-greet event at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on September 15. The event will also include a pole vault exhibition and a panel discussion featuring world-class athletes, though the names of the guests are yet to be announced.
In his heartfelt social media announcement, Obiena addressed his supporters and provided insight into the reasons behind the postponement. He wrote, “The World Athletics sanctioned Pole Vault Competition, which was scheduled for September 20 at Ayala Triangle in Makati City, will be postponed until next year. Details will be announced separately. I am truly sorry for this. I and the organizing team worked tirelessly to make this happen; unfortunately, we encountered a few unexpected hurdles, including my fractured vertebrae.”
Obiena’s message conveyed both his disappointment and his appreciation for the support he has received. “The organizing team believes that we won’t be able to adequately deliver the competition to its full potential. I respect their view and expertise as we all want a world-class event; thus, we are forced to postpone and plan again,” he added.
This announcement has been met with a mixture of sadness and understanding from the sports community and fans. The postponement of the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge is a setback, but it also reflects the challenges and unpredictabilities that athletes often face. Obiena’s injury underscores the physical demands and risks inherent in competitive sports and his transparency about the situation has garnered respect from the public.
If the event had taken place as scheduled, this would have been the first time that Obiena competed in the Philippines since his gold-winning performance at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, held in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The meet-and-greet event scheduled for September 15 is called the High Flying Hangout and is set to start at 10 am.
The meet-and-greet event represents a positive shift from the initial disappointment of the event’s postponement. It allows Obiena to remain engaged with his supporters and continue promoting the sport he is so passionate about. By hosting this event, Obiena not only connects with his fans but also helps to maintain the visibility and excitement surrounding pole vaulting in the Philippines.
For those who have been eagerly awaiting the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge the High Flying Hangout offers a chance to experience some of the event’s excitement in a different way. The exhibition and panel discussion will provide a glimpse into the world of pole vaulting and allow fans to interact with one of the sport’s top athletes.
In the broader context, the postponement of the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge highlights the importance of athlete health and safety. Obiena’s injury is a reminder of the physical toll that competitive sports can take and the need for careful management of athletes’ well-being. The decision to postpone the event reflects a commitment to ensuring that future competitions can be held at the highest possible standard.
In conclusion, while the postponement of the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge is a significant change in plans, EJ Obiena’s initiative to host the High Flying Hangout provides an exciting alternative. The meet-and-greet event promises to be a highlight for sports enthusiasts, offering an engaging and informative experience that continues to celebrate the dynamic world of pole vaulting.
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