A major concern that Taekwondo Clubs raised during the recent National Taekwondo Championships was funding support and facilities for them to use for training and host tournaments.
Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Albert Veratau said that in the past they didn’t have much money to support the Taekwondo Federation.
“The way the organisation was operating, we didn’t have much support for the foundation but I am here now to listen to what the sport needs,” said the PNGSF CEO “I know that they need facilities and I know they need funding.”
“We will find the facilities for them and we will find the funding for them.” The headquarters for the Taekwondo Federation already has a place of residence at the Rita Flynn Netball Complex, which was made available for them by the PNG Sports Foundation.
Veratau added that the sports foundation now needs to find a facility for them to use for their trainings, their programs and for competitions.
He further stated that it’s a matter of timing and as soon as they have the resources they will make it happen for the Taekwondo Federation in PNG.
Meanwhile, Extreme Taekwondo Team Manager, Grace Ila said that apart from funding and facilities that they lack, there should be a program in place for athletes to fall back on when they leave the sport.
Most athletes don’t complete school or work to concentrate on training for the sport and taking part in competitions whether in and around the country or even for overseas competitions.
Once they leave the sport, they struggle to find jobs to support themselves and their families so this is something that needs to be addressed as well, not just for Taekwondo but other sporting codes as well.