Orphanages could be targeted as well as refugee camps as part of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation ©WTF

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) is to be rolled out to orphanages, as well as refugee camps, in a bid to provide development and hope through sport, the initiative's founder Chungwon Choue has revealed.

The Foundation, which has already held a pilot project at the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan last month, is a key initiative envisaged by the President of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and is set to be offially launched in January.

It will not be just be limited to refugees however, with the South Korean keen to embrace any disenfranchised group.

"After my experience visiting the refugee camps, I asked the Council this week if we could increase its scope," Choue told insidethegames during the WTF World Cup Taekwondo Team Championships, which concluded here yesterday.

"Whenever you hold competitions, invite local children from an orphanage to give them a chance to attend the Games.

"Give them a souvenir as well.

"This will give them a warm feeling and a chance to be introduced to the Olympic spirit."

WTF President Chungwon Choue meeting refugees at the Jordanian camp ©WTF
WTF President Chungwon Choue meeting refugees at the Jordanian camp ©WTF

Televisions and equipment could be installed into both camps and orphanages in order to show off taekwondo and to educate them in the sport, Choue added.

Taekwondo lends itself to such plans, he claimed, because taekwondo requires far less space, facilities and tools than most others.

Although the primary aim is to provide opportunities, it is also hoped that high-level players will emerge from the scheme.

"I hope, one day, we will find future world champions and Olympic medallists," Choue said.

"I think this is possible, because I have already seen some good athletes at the Zaatari camp.

"If taught properly, in three years they may event be able to compete at an event like the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

"Why not?"



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