If you want to know how EJ Obiena is inspiring hope and goodness among budding athletes, head over to this public high school in Cabanatuan City, where a teacher took inspiration to the next level and decided to name his eighth-grade class after the world’s second best pole vaulter.
After EJ’s epic gold win at the 19th Asian Games, Teacher Kirby Tristan Musni slid into the Pinoy champ’s DMs with a heartfelt message on Facebook: “My section’s name is named after you because we are under the sports curriculum and I know that you will serve as an inspiration to my student-athletes.”
In an interview with RP2 Sports, Teacher Kirby revealed that post-pandemic, they had the chance to name their sections after remarkable Pinoy athletes who’ve brought honor and fame to the Philippines.
Among these worthy athletes, EJ stood out, and Teacher Kirby knew he was the perfect choice.
“Kasi alam ko yung passion for sports niya ay napakaganda at ginagamit niya yung sports to integrate ang kabutihan at pagbibigay karangalan sa ating bansa,” said Teacher Kirby.
It was also an ingenious way of introducing the exhilarating sport of pole vault to his students, most of whom were more familiar with basketball, volleyball, and sepak takraw.
“After our orientation, during our first day, I showed them videos kung papaano nilalaro ang pole vault at pinakilala ko si EJ Obiena bilang rising athlete ng ating bansa,” he added.
What’s even more incredible is that EJ himself, being the champ that he is, was all in and even dropped their private convo on his own Facebook page for the world to see. “Yes, sports can play a role in building a nation. Unifying a people. Creating a sense of national pride,” he commented on his post.
“Beyond the press stories and gold medals, chat messages like these from kababayans matter most to me. I am helping build a nation. And this matters most,” added the Pinoy pole vaulting
superstar.
