EJ Obiena and Ayala join forces for Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati
Corporate partnerships between athletes and companies are often built around branding, sponsorships, and endorsements. But every so often, a collaboration emerges with a higher purpose—one that aims to help build a nation.
That is the driving force behind the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, a landmark sports event born from the shared vision of Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena and the Ayala Foundation, in partnership with the MVP Sports Foundation.
EJ Obiena’s mission of nation-building
Obiena, currently ranked among the top five pole vaulters in the world and the only Asian in history to break into the sport’s elite circle, has long envisioned using athletics as a tool for nation-building. A student of both engineering and sport science, Obiena studied how major sporting triumphs—from the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa to the 2008 Beijing Olympics—united nations and boosted their global presence.
For him, pole vaulting is more than competition; it is a chance to showcase Filipino excellence, inspire future athletes, and place the Philippines firmly on the global stage.
Ayala’s commitment to shaping the nation
Ayala Corporation, a pillar of Philippine development for nearly 200 years, shares this vision. Through the Ayala Foundation, the company has long invested in education, sustainable development, and cultural growth. With the MVP Sports Foundation also on board, the partnership brings world-class athletics to the country in a way that highlights both Filipino talent and Filipino hospitality.
On September 21, 2025, the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City will transform into a stage for one of the world’s most unique pole vaulting competitions. The event will gather the top 20 vaulters globally—from the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Philippines—making it a showcase rivaling any Olympic or World Championship final.
More than a sports spectacle, the event stands as a symbol of what athlete-corporate partnerships can achieve when they go beyond commercialization. Together, Obiena and Ayala are proving that sports can inspire unity, pride, and progress for over 112 million Filipinos.
