Mar Presses On Regardless

Regardless her disability Irene Mar, 18, defied all odds to take up taekwondo.

The Nukusa, Macuata lass was diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy, a nerve condition in the shoulder and arm that result in weakness or loss of muscle function.

“My taekwondo journey started from when I was child because my father also took up taekwondo with coach (Master) Ra,” Mar said.

“Preparation has been good as we had started training last year.”

Mar had won gold competing against able bodied taekwondo athletes in the national Ambassadors Cup competition in September last year.

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“I’m looking forward to developing my skills and learning from other athletes in the region,” she said.

“I will have to work on my stamina and kicking skills to be more flexible.”

Mar acknowledged her parents for always pushing her to her best ability as a taekwondo athlete.

“My disability does not stop me as I can still carry out normal day to day tasks and complete my schoolwork properly,” she said.

“My strength is in my legs that’s why I’m able to do this sport.

My role models are Master Ra and both my parents Sereima and George Mar.”

Mar is one of the athletes selected to attend the World Taekwondo funded two-week training camp in the Solomon Islands

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