SEOUL, Korea (August 20, 2020) - Determined to find ways to support the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation (LTF) following explosion in Beirut on August 4, World Taekwondo, the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF), WT Council Members Mr. Maher Magableh and Mr. Pascal Gentil and Taekwondo Asia to host a video call with the LTF under the direction of World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue.

 

During the call, the LTF President Dr Habib Zarifeh noted that 10 taekwondo clubs in Beirut were destroyed during the explosion.

 

After the conference call, World Taekwondo has decided to provide taekwondo equipment to Lebanese Taekwondo Federation for distribution to the damaged Taekwondo clubs at the earliest opportunity. WT, in association with Asia Development Foundation (ADF) have also decided to support US$30,000 to Lebanese Taekwondo Federation to ensure Taekwondo students and clubs in Lebanon to continue Taekwondo practice and business.

 

WT and THF will launch a fundraising campaign for the 'Great Champion Scholarship' created by President Choue to support the affected children in Lebanon.

 

Upon receiving a report after the video call, President Chungwon Choue decided to waive the registration fees for all LTF athletes and coaches attending upcoming World Taekwondo competitions and online training courses until 2021 to help them continue being engaged in the activities without financial burden.

 

President Choue said:

 

“On behalf of the World Taekwondo family and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the residents of Beirut. During these most tragic circumstances, please be assured that World Taekwondo and its partners will do everything possible to provide support.”

 

LTF President Dr Habib Zarifeh said:

 

“We are very proud to be a member of the taekwondo family during this very difficult time. I would like to personally thank President Choue with World Taekwondo and THF to discuss ways to help the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation”