Chinese Charity Pledges Donation to Set up Refugee Taekwondo Academies

China’s Huamin Charity Foundation committed to donate USD600,000 on Dec. 5, 2016 to the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and World Taekwondo (WT) to establish Taekwondo academies for refugee children.

The money was for establishing purpose-built Taekwondo facilities over the next three years. The three academies are to be run by WT and its associated charity initiative, the Switzerland-based THF.

Dezhi Lu, chairman of the Beijing-based Huamin Charity Foundation, flew to Seoul to sign the donation contract at the WT headquarters with WT and THF head Chungwon Choue, on Dec. 4, 2016.

On Dec. 5, Lu delivered a special lecture at Kyung Hee University's Suwon campus under the title “Donation Culture and Global Coexistence Strategy in the 21st Century.”

Lu expressed his pleasure at cooperating with Choue in the charity activities of the THF, saying that his first visit to Korea will be a good memory. He promised that the Huamin Charity Foundation will continue to cooperate, based on China’s principle of strategic coexistence.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Chairman Lu, a true philanthropist,” said Choue, who had earler met Lu at the China Charity Fair 2016. “His donation will be well spent, helping empower some of the most powerless people on earth: refugee children.”

The THF, which was established by Choue in April 2016, has the mission of empowering refugee children by teaching them the sport and martial art of Taekwondo.

As one of the most economical and easily deployed sports on earth – one that requires virtually no equipmentTaekwondo is ideal for refugees, who often have little or nothing to do all day.

“Taekwondo teaches physical fitness, self-defense, self-confidence and self-belief, and is a gift that, once given, cannot be taken away: It can be practiced by anyone at any time and any place,” said Choue.

“Alongside Taekwondo, we also teach classes on Olympism and global citizenship using a bespoke ‘edutainment’ syllabus designed for us by academics at Belgium’s Leuven University.”

WT and the THF are already operating a Taekwondo academy in a CARE facility in Azraq Camp for Syrian refugees in Jordan.

The Huamin funds will be used to build a purpose-built Taekwondo academy in Jordan.

Following that, another facility will be built in Rwanda, followed by one more in a location that is, as yet, undecided.

“These academies are specifically designed for Taekwondo, but our aim is to align with other relevant stakeholders in refugee relief,” said Choue. “If other sport organizations or NGOs need a physical facility in camps, once these Taekwondo academies are built, we may be in a position to assist them."

Crown Prince of Fujairah Donates for Taekwondo Programs to Empower Refugees

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah, has committed to donating to the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF).

The Crown Prince of Fujairah announced during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Fujairah Open in Sheikh Zayed Sport City on Feb. 6, 2022 that he would be donating USD100,000 to the THF to help empower refugees worldwide.

This marked the third time the Crown Prince had made a generous donation following donations in 2017 and 2020. He previously spoke of the refugee crisis as being one of the greatest facing humanity and offered his full support to the THF.

At the opening ceremony of the 5th Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championships on Feb. 23, 2017, the Crown Prince also donated USD100,000 to Taekwondo charity programs for refugees.

THF Chairman and World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue said: “We are very grateful for His Highness’ generosity and continued commitment to supporting the THF in the vital work it conducts around the world. The money he has donated will make a real difference in the lives of so many refugees who participate in THF programs.”

He continued to say, “We would also like to congratulate His Highness on the success of the Fujairah Open and the ongoing development of Taekwondo in the UAE.”

“I want to offer my deepest thanks to His Highness both for his tireless support of Taekwondo in the UAE, and most especially, for this unexpected and extremely generous donation,” said Choue. “This money will be transparently used to create long-term, sustainable programs for the benefit of refugee children worldwide.”

“The growth of refugee numbers globally is one of the greatest crises facing humanity today,” said the Crown Prince of Fujairah. “I make this donation because Taekwondo is an economical, easy-to-deploy tool that delivers self-discipline, self-defense and self-confidence to refugees, so effectively upgrading their lifestyles.”

WT President Invites IFs to Join Hands with THF on Humanitarian Action

World Taekwondo (WT) President Chungwon Choue has called on International Federations (IFs) to join the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) in empowering refugees through sport.

President Choue, who is also the THF chairman, was invited by ASOIF to speak at the ASOIF General Assembly in Bangkok on April 17, 2018 to provide attending IFs with an update on the foundation’s activities.

Officially established in April 2016, the THF has active projects in refugee camps in Jordan, Turkiye, Djibouti, Rwanda, France, etc. It has also opened a purpose-built Taekwondo academy at the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan. The THF deploys coaches and Taekwondo equipment to refugee camps to teach young people Taekwondo and use the sport as a vehicle for encouraging healthier living, understanding and peace.

Choue explained to the ASOIF General Assembly that the “THF is looking to work with all stakeholders to ensure its projects are as meaningful as possible and would welcome the opportunity to partner with other IFs.”

President Choue said: “We face a grave global crisis. There are over 22.5 million refugees worldwide; half of them are women and children. The solution to this crisis can only be found through collaboration, which is why we invite all IFs to collaborate with the THF and help us to empower the powerless.”

He continued: “The THF is now operating in six countries around the world and over the last two years we have seen firsthand what a positive impact sport can have on young people’s lives. These young people are in desperate need of support and through Taekwondo and sport we can provide them with so much joy and happiness and key skills for future life.” “We would like to offer a broader spectrum of Olympic sports and so we would be delighted to partner with other IFs and work together to provide refugee children with a greater variety of sports activities. Peace is More Precious than Triumph, and by working together we can help make sure that peace triumphs.”

The power of Taekwondo to promote peace and understanding was demonstrated at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games in February when WT and the North Korean-led International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) performed a joint demonstration just prior to the opening ceremony.

THF, WT, World Wrestling Join Hands in Teaching Refugees

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF), World Taekwondo (WT) and United World Wrestling (UWW) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote humanitarianism, peace and development-supporting activities.

THF Chairman and WT President Chungwon Choue and UWW President Nenad Lalović signed the agreement on Oct. 22, 2018 during the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary. The agreement allows for full cooperation and information exchange between the three organizations. They aim to commit to developing close cooperation in the areas of promoting sport as a powerful vehicle toward peace, social development and integration of vulnerable populations, uniting forces in offering sport for development and peace activities, in particular at the THF’s existing Azraq Taekwondo Academy at Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan and potentially other locations worldwide, and exchange and sharing of expertise, know-how, information and populations.

“At World Taekwondo, our motto is: ‘Peace is more precious than Triumph’ and this landmark agreement reflects our commitment to that ideal and is another key step forward in contributing to a more peaceful future through sport,” Choue said. “We have always been clear that we are open to working with other international federations to ensure we can help as many people in need as possible. We are greatly looking forward to working with the UWW to learn from them and to share our experience and expertise. Through our collaboration, we will be able to make a real difference to the lives of those that need it most.”

UWW President and IOC Executive Board member Nenad Lalović said: “We have followed the development of this humanitarian fund and have seen what it can achieve and look forward to joining World Taekwondo’s effort to diversify athletic opportunities in the camps.”

International Table Tennis Federation to Work with WT, THF to Assist Refugees

World Taekwondo (WT), the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 28, 2018 to promote humanitarianism and peace and development activities.

The agreement was signed by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and ITTF President Thomas Weikert in the presence of IOC President Thomas Bach on the sidelines of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan.

Badminton Joins Taekwondo in Humanitarian Mission

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF), World Taekwondo (WT) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) signed a landmark memorandum of understanding to promote humanitarianism, peace and development-supporting activities.

THF Chairman and WT President Chungwon Choue, BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer and THF Executive Director Roger Piarulli met at the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne, Switzerland on Jan. 14, 2019, to sign the collaborative agreement.

Hockey and Taekwondo Offer Sport, Hope to Refugees

World Taekwondo (WT), the Humanitarian Federation (THF), the International Hockey Federation (FIH) and the Hockey Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding focused on the promotion of humanitarian and peace-building initiatives. The agreement was signed on June 23, 2019 by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and FIH President Narinder Dhruv Batra.

WT, THF Get to Grips with International Judo Federation

World Taekwondo (WT) and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the International Judo Federation (IJF) signed a memorandum of understanding on May 15, 2019 to promote humanitarian, peace and development activities.

The agreement was signed by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and IJF President Marius L. Vizer on the sidelines of the Manchester 2019 World Taekwondo Championships.

WT, THF Ally with World Baseball Softball

World Taekwondo (WT), the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) signed a memorandum of understanding on March 6, 2020 to promote humanitarian, social inclusion, peace and development-supporting activities. The signing ceremony took place at the WT Lausanne Office and was hosted by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue, who was joined by WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.

WT, THF and Muaythai to Empower Refugees, Migrants

World Taekwondo (WT), the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the International Federation of Muaythai Association (IFMA) signed a memorandum of understanding committing the three partners to cooperate in the promotion of humanitarian and peace-building initiatives.

The agreement was inked on July 27, 2019 in Bangkok, Thailand by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and IFMA President Sakchye Tapsuan during the IFMA General Assembly.

Taekwondo Joins Hands with Sambo

World Taekwondo (WT) and its charity affiliate the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) signed a memorandum of understanding on Aug. 30, 2019 with the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) to advance youth inclusion in sport and related events globally.

The agreement was signed by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and FIAS President Vasily Shestakov in Chungju, Korea on the sidelines of the Chungju 2019 World Martial Arts Masterships.

Union Internationale Motonautique to Work Alongside WT, THF

World Taekwondo (WT), the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) and the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), which oversees powerboat racing, signed a memorandum of understanding on May 6, 2020 to promote humanitarian peace and development initiatives in sport. The signing was conducted online by WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue and UIM President Raffaele Chiulli.

WT, THF Sign MOU with FIBA Foundation

World Taekwondo (WT) and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) signed a memorandum of understanding on Nov. 28, 2022 with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Foundation to empower refugees and displaced persons through the practice of basketball and Taekwondo.

The MOU was signed in a ceremony at the WT office in Lausanne, Switzerland, with the attendance of FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and WT President and THF Chairman Chungwon Choue.

THF Joins Hands with Turkish Taekwondo Federation to Support Kilis, Elbeyli Refugee Camps

THF Starts Program for Refugees in Lausanne, Switzerland

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) signed a contract of mandate with the Turkish Taekwondo Federation (TTF) on Oct. 21, 2017 on partnering in the operation of a Taekwondo academy in Kilis refugee camp to the benefits of Syrian refugees.

The Kilis refugee camp was established in 2012 in the town of Kilis located near Turkiye’s border with Syria to accommodate victims of Syria’s civil war.

In 2014, the Turkish Taekwondo Federation began operating a Taekwondo academy in the camp. There were over 600 Syrian refugee children attending Taekwondo classes.

With the signing of the contract, the THF took on the management of the academy, becoming the project owner, with the TTF acting as an operational partner.

Under the pact, the two entities agreed to promote Taekwondo as a powerful vehicle toward peace, social development and integration of vulnerable populations, notably refugees, in a manner that is respectful of the Olympic values, through the organization of Taekwondo classes and of related educational activities.

With the capacity of the academy estimated to expand to 1,200 students, the Kilis project became the THF’s biggest project.

As the Kilis camp was closed in 2018, the THF moved its project to Elbeyli by joining hands with the TTF in the running of the Taekwondo academy.

Just 100kms north of the Syrian town of Alepp, over the Turkish border, the Elbeyli refugee camp was built for refugees who have fled the Syrian civil war. Its population is over 16,000 refugees.

At the Elbeyli camp, two Taekwondo coaches are teaching about 1,400 Syrian refugee children through 18 training sessions per week.

The THF’s goal is to use Taekwondo as a tool to help Syrian refugees at the Elbeyli camp to live alongside with Turkish citizens by practicing a sport that will promote integration and improve their life skills. The THF program is compulsory for the children in the Elbeyli camps.

Among the THF’s main obligations were financial support of Taekwondo instructors and provision of Taekwondo equipment for the refugees taking part in the project, along with the implementation of its curriculum and guidelines in the academy by introducing them and explaining them to the coaches. Finally, the THF had to conduct monitoring and evaluation practices to assess the project’s outcomes, impact, and performance.

It was the third Taekwondo academy project of the THF at a refugee camp, with other academies operating in Azraq refugee camp in Amman, Jordan and the Kiziba refugee camp in Rwanda.

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) kicked off a program in August 2021 to help address refugees and persons seeking asylum in Lausanne, Switzerland.

In partnership with the Canton de Vaud, the THF project aims to integrate refugees, mainly orphans, in Swiss society by becoming a member of a Taekwondo club.

The project is also supported by the EVAM (Etablissement Vaudois d’Accueil des Migrants) and the BCI (Bureau Cantonal Pour I’Integration des Etrangers et la Prevention du Racisme).

About 20 refugees are benefitting the THF program. One Taekwondo coach is teaching them the sport, two training sessions per week.

Through the project, the refugees can also improve their French language skills, but also learn the societal norms of Switzerland.