Governor General Fund Rasing – Cheshire Home Disability Centre

IBSUniversity Signs MoU to Sponsor PNG Taekwondo Olympians for Special Trainings in preparation for 2028 & 2032 Olympic In a historic move to elevate Papua New Guinea’s presence on the global sports stage, IBSUniversity has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Kassman Taekwondo Club and two of the nation’s Taekwondo Olympians, Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman. The MoU details a full sponsorship package for specialised international training ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles and 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games. The signing ceremony, held at the IBSUniversity campus, was attended by several key figures, including the Founder of IBSUniversity, Sir Mick Nades, Vice Chancellor Professor Ramachandran Arunachalam, Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, Mr. Desmond Kaviagu, Coach Edward Kassman, and the two athletes at the heart of this partnership, Kevin Kassman (-65kg) and Gibson Mara (+80kg). IBSUniversity will sponsor Gibson Mara and Kevin Kassman through a calculated challenge or drill; it is our dream for Papua New Guinea to bring home a medal,” said Sir Mick Nades, underlining IBSU’s ongoing support for education and sports in PNG. “We are targeting Taekwondo as a promising medal opportunity by making sure our athletes receive the highest level of training available.” This initiative is a targeted approach for IBSUniversity’s long-standing support for Team PNG. Over the past two decades, the university has actively sponsored Papua New Guinean athletes through various competitions, including the Pacific Mini Games, Pacific Games,Commonwealth Games, and the Olympic Games. Addressing the Gap in Funding for High-Performance Training Mr. Desmond Kaviagu, Secretary General of the PNG Olympic Committee, acknowledged the value of this partnership. “From the National Olympic Committee, we receive funding from the government and various organizations, but these resources are spread across many sports. That limits our ability to fully prepare individual athletes. I am grateful to be here today to witness the MoU signing for this targeted sponsorship given towards these two young Olympians.” The Kassman Taekwondo Club, “This is something I’ve dreamed of for many years. PNG has the talent—we’ve just lacked the funding. Support usually goes to mainstream sports, but today, Sir Mick and IBSUniversity have come through. This is the only major sponsorship for Taekwondo in the entire Oceania region. I’ve never seen anything like it before—it marks real progress for the sport and our athletes.” A Legacy of Support Through this MoU, IBSUniversity cements its legacy as one of the most consistent and passionate supporters of sports development in Papua New Guinea. The university’s unique approach—bridging education, leadership, and sports—is giving young athletes the drive and platform to chase greatness on the world stage. As Kevin Kassman and Gibson Mara get on the road to Olympic glory, they will carry with them not only the hopes of a nation but also the full support of a university that believes in their potential.

IBSUniversity Staff Visit Cheshire Disability Home to Strengthen Community Connection IBSUniversity (IBSU) visited the Cheshire Disability Home in Hohola as part of the university’s ongoing outreach program. This marked the second group visit this year and brought together members from a range of departments, including Student Support and Development (SSD), Marketing, IT, the Centre of Excellence (COE), People and Culture (P&C), and the School of IT. long-standing relationship with Cheshire Home Ms. Winnie, who led the team, began by introducing the staff and reflecting on IBSU’s long-standing relationship with Cheshire Home. She spoke with warmth and sincerity, acknowledging the gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and expressing sincere gratitude for the chance to reconnect. Her words opened the day with a quiet sense of purpose, one centered on simply being there. Positive Feedback “It reminded us that change doesn’t always need to start from the top,” one staff member said. “Sometimes, it begins with conversations like these—real people talking about real issues in ways that make you think.” The group brought food and drinks, enjoying them together over relaxed conversations. There were no grand speeches or formalities. Staff sat with residents, talked, laughed, and simply spent time in each other’s company. The casual setting made space for real connection and open conversation. One of the most moving moments of the day was when a resident addressed the group. A long-time advocate for people living with disabilities, he has represented Papua New Guinea on many national and international platforms. He laid it out plainly, the daily challenges faced in a society that too often ignores or underestimates those with disabilities. Drawing from his own life, he advised not to seek sympathy, but to encourage awareness and responsibility, calling for change from families, schools, workplaces, and government bodies alike. His message was clear—support should not be fleeting or superficial; it must be consistent, actionable, and rooted in respect. His words left a strong impression on the visiting team. Many described the conversation as a turning point in their understanding of what it truly takes to create an environment where everyone feels included. The day concluded with a group photo session—an informal way to acknowledge the time spent together. As the team prepared to leave, handshakes and farewells carried a sense of mutual respect and familiarity. The mood was light, but the messages from the day lingered in everyone’s minds. These visits might seem minor on the surface, but they carry weight. IBSU doesn’t treat them as formality—it keeps showing up. Each interaction opens space for honest connection and better awareness between people from different walks of life. Many of the staff who took part described the visit as grounding. Being in an environment where people navigate challenges with openness and mutual support gave them a fresh perspective on the importance of human connection beyond their usual academic and work-related routines. IBSU extends its gratitude to the staff and residents of the Cheshire Disability Home for their warm welcome and the conversations that made this visit both thought-provoking and eye-opening. The university looks forward to returning in the coming months, recognizing that these moments bring clarity to principles we often mention but seldom encounter in such real and personal ways.

IBS Reaffirms Its Dedication for Ongoing Visits to Cheshire Disability Services PNG IBSUniversity were honored to welcome Gerald Bengessar, General Manager of Cheshire Disability Services PNG, and Daniel, a resident of Cheshire Home, to the IBSUniversity Genius Bar. Their visit marked the comeback of IBSUniversity’s cherished tradition of Sunday visits to Cheshire Home in Port Moresby. During the visit, Sir Mick announced an exciting news: a fullscholarship for Daniel. Daniel, who has lived at Cheshire Home for many years, has a strong interest in business and management. Thanks to this scholarship, he’ll be able to study at IBS College of TVET or at IBSUniversity.   Positive Feedback “I am so grateful for this opportunity,” Daniel said. “This scholarship means so much to me, and I am excited to begin my studies.” The visit also provided an opportunity for Mr. Gerald, to share an encouraging message with IBSUniversity staff and faculty. He points out the importance of empathy and compassion, reminding everyone that each of us has a responsibility to support individuals with disabilities in meaningful ways. IBSUniversity has always been proud of its efforts to help people living with disabilities and to support local organisations like City Mission Port Moresby and Operation Open Heart – which provides life-saving surgeries for children with heart problems. IBSUniversity believes in making a difference, not only through financial donations but by upholding an inclusive culture that encourages involvement with the community for positive impact. Through initiatives like these, IBSUniversity keeps building avenues for everyone, no matter their background or abilities. As these efforts grow, IBSUniversity remains dedicated to help people to thrive and build stronger connections with the community.   Contact Details: Penelope Aimari Public Relations Officer WhatsApp/Phone: 675 72342566 Email: penelope.aimari@ibs.ac.pg By Staff Writer Images: IBSU Media