Port Moresby, PNG – IBSUniversity (IBSU) has officially cemented its ongoing commitment to sports development in Papua New Guinea by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the newly established PNG Rowing Federation (PNGRF). This strategic partnership aims to nurture young talent and provide crucial international exposure for PNG’s emerging rowing champions.

The institution’s support for PNGRF marks a significant step in IBSUniversity’s dedication to holistic education, recognizing sports as a vital pillar of youth development.

In a powerful early demonstration of this commitment, IBSU has assisted in sponsoring two national youth athletes and their coach to attend the World Rowing Oceania Youth Development Training Camp and Championships currently underway in Vanuatu.

The formal MOU signing took place today at the university campus. Mr. Sagara Wijeratne, Director – Institutional Development, signed on behalf of IBSUniversity, and Mr. Tau Homoka, President of the PNG Rowing Federation Inc., signed on behalf of PNGRF. The signing was witnessed by IBSU Senior Lecturer Mr. Milfred Lopez and PNGRF Executive Ms. Asiani Vagi.

Speaking on behalf of IBSUniversity, Mr. Wijeratne underscored the shared philosophy driving the partnership. He said IBSU is proud to support sports as a vital pillar of holistic education and youth development.

“Through the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the PNG Rowing Federation, IBS University reaffirms its commitment to nurturing young talent by supporting PNG’s Under-17 rowing athletes and their coach to gain international exposure.

This partnership reflects our belief that education and sport together build discipline, resilience, leadership, and global competitiveness among young people.”

He added that IBS University looks forward to a transparent and collaborative relationship with the PNG Rowing Federation and to expanding its support for sports initiatives that empower Papua New Guinea’s future champions.

Mr. Tau Homoka, President of the PNG Rowing Federation, spoke passionately about the federation’s rapid growth and the critical nature of IBSU’s support.

Established just over two years ago, PNGRF was created to capitalize on the opportunity to develop a new sport in the country. The federation currently focuses on building its junior base through affiliates with a view to expanding first across NCD and Central Province.

Mr. Homoka said IBSU’s support has a very big impact in the development of the sport.

“The investment IBSU has put through to us, it’s not just the fact that we’ve gone across, what it’s done is that it’s actually given birth to the actual sport.”

He explained that while administrative work is important, securing athletic development is paramount.

The support IBSU provided has allowed two athletes and a coach to be fully supported and travel-ready, acknowledging the significant difficulty in securing sponsorships. “Without it, we would not have been able to have this conversation,” Mr. Homoka concluded.

The support for the PNG Rowing Federation is consistent with IBSUniversity’s broader mission to champion youth development through sport across PNG. The institution is well-known for its dedication to fostering healthy competition and skill-building, notably through:

The MOU with PNGRF ensures a formalized, long-term commitment to developing rowing talent, guaranteeing that young Papua New Guineans have the opportunity to compete and excel on the international stage.