Obiena tops honor roll in PSA rites

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena will be honored not just twice but thrice during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on Monday.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Milo pays homage to the world No. 2 pole vaulter by bestowing to him the “Gold, Grit, and Glory Award” during the Jan. 29 formal proceedings at the grand ballroom of the Diamond Hotel.

The award represents excellence, resilience and inspiration in the realm of pole vaulting.

The accolade is the third the 28-year-old University of Santo Tomas product will receive in the annual gathering other than the coveted Athlete of the Year award and among the lead athletes to be given citations by the country’s sports writing fraternity currently headed by Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The STAR.

Obiena is the second elite athlete to be recognized by Milo with the same award after Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz last year.

The traditional awards night exclusively staged by the 75-year-old media organization is presented by ArenaPlus, the 24/7 sports app in the Philippines, and with the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Cignal, and PLDT/Smart as major sponsors, while being backed by the Philippine Basketball Association, Premier Volleyball League, 1-Pacman Partylist Rep. Mikee Romero, and Rain or Shine.

Milo Sports head Carlo Sampan will award Obiena the special honor.

“An athlete who embodies the grit for unwavering determination in the face of challenges, and glory to become an inspiration for others,” said Milo in a statement.

Registration for the Awards Night starts at 6 p.m.