EJ Obiena announces meet-and-greet event after postponement of pole vault tourney

EJ Obiena will hold a meet-and-greet event following the postponement of the Philippine International Pole Vault Challenge that he and his camp are spearheading.

The 28-year-old athlete announced the news on X on Tuesday, Sept. 3, saying that the pole vault tourney initially scheduled for Sept. 20 has been postponed until next year.

"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," he said.

"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.

To make up for it, Obiena will have a meet-and-greet session instead on Sept. 15, 10 a.m. at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center.

Dubbed "High Flying Hangout with EJ Obiena," the pole vaulter said attendees can expect "an exhibition showcasing my event, pole vault; a number of world-class athletes (so not just me) in a panel discussion; and plenty of fun activities, unique programs, and get-togethers" at the upcoming affair.

Interested fans can sign up for the event by scanning the QR code he provided.

On Aug. 8, Obiena bared his plan to host a pole vault event in Manila on Sept. 20 with bronze medalist Emmanouil Karalis of Greece and Huang Bokai of China. The athlete also said he was hoping to invite Germany's Oleg Zernikel and world record holder and gold medalist Mondo Duplantis of Sweden to the affair.

In late August, he announced his decision to bow out from his coming competitions this 2024 over a nagging fracture but promised to return to the sport when he gets better.

Obiena recently finished fifth in the Diamond League Final and placed fourth overall at the 2024 Paris Olympics.