World Taekwondo (WT), the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) – based in Monaco – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote humanitarian, peace and development initiatives in sport.
In light of the current situation provoked by the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, the signing ceremony was conducted online, with WT and THF President, Chungwon Choue, and UIM President Raffaele Chiulli both attending from their home base in Seoul and Rome respectively. Each of the Presidents delivered introductory remarks on the work their respective organisations are doing in support of humanitarian and social development causes before signing the MoU. The ceremony concluded with the two Presidents highlighting their Federations’ mottoes ‘Yes we Care’ (UIM) and ‘Peace is more Precious than Triumph’ (WT)
The three organisations committed to developing close cooperation in the following areas including developing an educational program for refugees to support them become global citizens:
• Promoting sport as a powerful vehicle towards peace, social development and integration of vulnerable populations;
• Uniting forces in offering sport for development and peace activities, in particular in Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation’s existing Taekwondo Humanitarian Centre in Azraq Refugee Camp, Jordan, and potentially other locations worldwide;
• Exchanging and sharing of expertise, know-how, information and publications.
The two International Federations will also work together on environmental projects as part of the MoU. The UIM is committed to raising awareness of the environmental performance of the power-boating sport. Ensuring environmental protection and sustainable development are key elements of the UIM’s programme. The WT’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future obtained far reaching recognition when it was assigned the joint International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Dow ‘Carbon Initiative Award.’
WT and THF President Choue said: “WT and the THF are delighted to have signed this MoU with the UIM. All three of our organisations 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.”
“Taekwondo and the THF have been empowering refugees around the world and have brought hope and inspiration to thousands of those who need it most. 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. 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.”
UIM President Raffaele Chiulli said: “The UIM is proud of entering this partnership with World Taekwondo and with the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, two Organizations which, under the wise leadership of President Choue, have been showing the way to the Sports Movement how to grow their base and how to illuminate the days of those in greatest need through 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.”
In March, President Choue was honoured with the Stefano Casiraghi Memorial Award at the UIM Awards Giving Ceremony in Lausanne in recognition of his dedication and achievements in instilling the integrity of sport through peace-related activities.
