IBS University and Kassman Taekwondo Club recently signed an MoU at IBSU campus at 11 Mile, an agreement to promote sportsmanship, discipline and to support two taekwondo Olympians, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman for the next Olympic Games.
Present at the signing was PNGOC Secretary General, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu, Founder of IBSU, Sir Mick Nades, Edward Kassman from Kassman Taekwondo Club as well as PNG’s Taekwondo Olympians, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman.
Sir Mick Nades was confident in the athletes’ abilities to perform in upcoming competitions.
“IBS University plans to support them – it’s a calculated challenge or dream.”
“By providing adequate training to these two Olympians, they will be prepared to compete in the Olympics.”
“Last time they qualified through a wild card, but I believe that in the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games, they should be rightfully selected as eligible athletes.”
“I am confident they will achieve this.”
Secretary General of of the PNG Olympic Committee, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu emphasize on the importance of support not just for popular sports, but for others that are often neglected.
“These athletes are the next generation of inspiration for PNG.”
“We have always seen companies in PNG just sponsor team sports.”
“Everyone’s supporting rugby league, but there are more sports in Papua New Guinea; karate, sailing, surfing – these are amazing sports and avenues out there for us to take advantage of.”
“At the National Olympic Committee, we get funding from the government, from corporate sponsors, from great donors, which we’re grateful for.”
“But we spend that funding across all the different sports, hence that limits how much investment and opportunity we can put towards enhancing our preparations and medal participations.”
“Now, this time, it’s a targeted approach.”
Meanwhile Edward Kassman from Kassman Taekwondo Club, echoed similar sentiments and thanked IBS University for their support.
He also expressed his determination to see taekwondo bag a medal for PNG.