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| World Taekwondo and Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation President Choue Chung-won, right, and Union Internationale Motonautique President Raffaele Chiulli applaud after signing a memorandum of understanding during their online video conference, Wednesday. Courtesy of World Taekwondo |
By Jung Min-ho
The international governing bodies of taekwondo and powerboating signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Wednesday to promote human rights and world peace through sports.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, World Taekwondo (WT) and THF President Choue Chung-won and Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) President Raffaele Chiulli celebrated the new partnership online from Seoul and Rome, respectively.
Under the terms of the agreement, the three parties have committed to working together to develop sports education programs for refugees around the world. They have also agreed to promote the ideas of sustainable development and environmental preservation in line with the International Olympic Committee's "sustainable strategy."
"WT and the THF are delighted to have signed this MOU with the UIM," Choue said. "All three of our organizations share similar values and a common desire to use the power of sport to deliver meaningful and lasting social change.
"Today more than ever, when the world is facing unprecedented challenges, sport has the power to unite us in solidarity and to contribute to a better and more peaceful world."
Through the coordinated efforts, Choue said he wants to empower refugees and bring hope and inspiration to them.
"With projects in six countries around the world, we are using taekwondo to help young refugees live healthier lifestyles and learn key skills that will help to shape them into global citizens," he said.
"The UIM has a lot of experience in delivering a number of excellent social and environmental programs. By working together, we can share knowledge and enhance the support we provide refugees and forcibly displaced and vulnerable youth populations."
Chiulli said he is excited to support the THF's humanitarian initiatives with refugees.
"Social inclusion and sustainable development are two important pillars among the UIM's efforts to grow the powerboat sport and we are eager to embrace this joint initiative with World Taekwondo and its Humanitarian Foundation, which will allow us to share basic values of our sport with young refugees and to give them access to its safe practice," he said.
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