It has been a ‘fruitful’ week for EJ Obiena.
In his homecoming after a record-breaking leap in the 19th Asian Games, the 27-year-old, world-ranked pole vaulter received blessings after blessings.
He was given a hefty P10-million check by his alma mater Chiang Kai Shek High School and another P5-million by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
But Obiena is also paying it forward.
Obiena has partnered with Katapult Digital to hold an online fund-raising auction.
The goal of this drive is to build pole vault training pits across the country.
“The Philippines has so much potential in pole vaulting,” said Obiena, who is the second-ranked pole vaulter in the world.
“I believe that we can win at the global level but we can’t do this alone.”
“EJ Obiena inspires and reminds us that the Filipino is world class when it comes to talent,” said Katapult Digital CEO Francis Uy.
And the items that will be sold are the ones very special to Obiena.
The kits he wore from his gold medal-winning leaps during the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and the 19th Asian Games are up for grabs.
Also being sold is his customized Puma spikes he used during the SEA Games.
“It’s so hard to let go but it’s for a good cause,” quipped the UST great.
Deserving schools and students will be chosen as beneficieries with EJ’s dad Emerson leading the way.
