SEOUL, Korea (August 12, 2019) - World Taekwondo today celebrated the official United Nations International Youth Day just two days after the conclusion of the Tashkent 2019 World Taekwondo Cadet Championships which showcased the very best of taekwondo’s youth.

 

International Youth Day is rooted in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and this year’s theme is ‘Transforming Education’.

 

Education is a key pillar of taekwondo not just from a sport perspective but also in terms of the values and lessons it teaches its practitioners off the mat.

 

During the World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue addressed the 550 participating young athletes from 64 countries and reiterated the role taekwondo can play in young people’s life education.

 

“These Championships are not just a chance to gain experience for future World Champions or Olympians,” President Choue said. “They are also a chance to foster new friendships and open your eyes and minds to new cultures. You will become the citizens of the world. Your experiences here will be a vital part of your life education."

 

World Taekwondo consistently drives to make education of the sport more inclusive and accessible to young people all over the world.

 

Countries around the world have recognized the role taekwondo can play in young people’s lives and the sport has been added to school curriculums. For example, taekwondo has recently been included in the regular curriculum in sixteen public elementary schools, encompassing 1,800 students in the South American country, Honduras.

 

Taekwondo enriches young people with self-defense skills as well as good etiquette and respect.

 

World Taekwondo works closely with its Member National Associations to provide greater opportunities for young people to engage in the sport and delivers coaching education programmes around the world.