The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) announced today that it will expand its Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) project to Kilis, Turkey, as it aims to use taekwondo to bring hope and joy to people in refugee camps around the world.
The decision was made after WTF President Dr. Chungwon Choue visited the Oncupinar Accommodation Center in Kilis which is situated near Turkey's boarder with Syria. The President made the visit with European Taekwondo Union President Mr. Sakis Pragalos and Turkish Taekwondo Federation President Mr. Metin Sahin ahead of the European Qualification Tournament for Rio 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Turkish Taekwondo Federation has been successfully operating a taekwondo programme in the camp for the past two years. There are currently 60 students learning taekwondo which not only keeps them physically active but teaches them respect, self-discipline and understanding.
After the visit to the camp, WTF President Choue said:
"We are delighted to announce that we will be launching the THF in Turkey and that the Oncupinar Accommodation Centre will become a THF taekwondo academy. Taekwondo is a sport which can be practised by people of all ages, genders and nationalities. It unites people in a way that only sport can and teaches them to live healthier and more peaceful lives. As a sport which requires little to no equipment, taekwondo is perfectly suited to being deployed in refugee camps.
"The Turkish Taekwondo Federation has been doing a fantastic job with its taekwondo programme in Kilis and working with them we will ensure that it has all the materials and instructors required. We will continue to work hard to develop the THF around the world and contribute to global sustainable development."
During the President’s visit, new taekwondo uniforms and shoes were distributed to the young refugees aged between 10 and 14 who demonstrated the taekwondo techniques they have learnt.
The Oncupinar Accommodation Centre was established in March 2012 for 15,000 refugees. Today, the number has reached 25,000 with a second stage of the container area having been built.
The WTF initiated its first THF pilot project in the camps of Zaatari and Azraq in Jordan in December last year, and is going to launch its second programme in Nepal on 29 January – 4 February. The WTF is currently looking at expanding the project further into other countries with Ghana, Ethiopia, Colombia and Greece being considered for future projects.
For more information, contact:
Justin Shea
+44 7917 825412
pr@wtf.org
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