The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee runs an Athletes' Excellence Programme ©PNGOC

Four athletes have graduated from the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) in Port Moresby following scholarships from the Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee’s (PNGOC) Athletes' Excellence Programme. 

The success of the quartet comes after a year of studying at the institution in the capital city, the host of the 2015 Pacific Games.

Weightlifters Dika Toua, Lorraine Harruty and Toua Udia, and footballer Abel Redenut, all had to take time out from their sports to focus on their education at the IBS.

They all received certificates at a graduation ceremony at the IBS campus, in front of PNGOC secretary general Auvita Rapilla.

Four athletes have graduated after backing from PNGOC ©PNGOC
Four athletes have graduated after backing from PNGOC ©PNGOC

"The Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee is committed to ensuring that PNG’s elite athletes are not only successful on the field of play but also in life," she said.

PNGOC set-up its Athletes' Excellence Programme to help sportsmen and women find careers following their retirement from competitive action.

Rapilla thanked the IBS for their support of the programme and encouraged other athletes to make use of it.