Justin Faiferlick will depart for Italy and the 2019 Summer Universiade Games this July.

Faiferlick, a native of Fort Dodge, has been selected as the taekwondo team manager for the United States for the event, which takes place July 3-15 in Naples, Italy.

“I am really excited for this opportunity to represent Team USA in this world event,” Faiferlick said. “An opportunity like this is a rare occasion, so I feel extremely honored to be part of this incredible event.”

Faiferlick is approaching 40 years in taekwondo between competing and coaching. He is the current Iowa Central head men’s and women’s coach, along with the head coach for the U.S. Air Force men’s and women’s teams.

A 1987 graduate of St. Edmond, Faiferlick works as the Director of Test for the Iowa Air National Guard and the owner of Faiferlick Martial Arts.

The Games include teams from over 40 countries competing in 18 sports including athletics, soccer, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, judo, swimming, basketball, water polo, rugby sevens, volleyball, fencing, tennis, table tennis, shooting, archery, diving, sailing and taekwondo.

Six male categories and six female categories in kyorugi (sparring) will be held along with poomsae (forms) in both individual and male and female teams and mixed.

In all, over 9,300 athletes will compete at the event, which is also known as the World University Games.

Taekwondo event finals are scheduled for July 7-13.