Lausanne, Switzerland (Jan. 21, 2025) - The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Board of Trustees convened today in person at the Maison du Sport International and online for its first meeting of 2025. Presided over by THF Chairman, Dr. Chungwon Choue, the THF Board Meeting celebrated the foundation's achievements in 2024 and outlined bold new initiatives for the year ahead.

 

Reflecting on a year of progress in 2024, the THF celebrated remarkable milestones, including the success of refugee athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yahya Al Ghotany became the first refugee from the Azraq camp to compete in the Olympic Games, while Zakia Khudadadi, part of the “Terrains d’Avenir” program, secured the first-ever medal for the Paralympic Refugee Team. Additionally, the 2^nd Hope and Dreams Sports Festival held in Jordan expanded its reach, uniting Taekwondo, Baseball5, Badminton and Basketball, to promote diversity and foster inclusion.

 

Building on these successes and renewed focus for 2025, the THF Chair announced the appointment of THF Board Member and World Taekwondo Council Member Mr. Maher Magableh as THF Operations Director. Known for his tireless efforts in the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival and refugee initiatives, Mr. Magableh’s leadership is set to further enhance THF’s global reach and impact.

 

Dr. Choue extended heartfelt gratitude to private donors and THF Trustees whose contributions remain vital to THF’s mission.

 

Empowering Refugee Athletes in a New Olympic Cycle
As the Olympic cycle progresses toward the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the THF has launched a revamped strategy to nurture young refugee athletes and empower them through the THF Solidarity Program for Refugee Athletes. This includes:

• a focus on cadets and juniors, with plans to financially support and train at least 8 refugee athletes, including 4 from Africa (Eswatini and Rwanda)
• a tailored training program with three yearly training camps
• partnerships with National Taekwondo Federations and professional coaches

Among the promising young athletes, Afghan refugee Taekwondo athlete, Fatemeh Jami, currently living in Iran, stands out as a strong contender for a medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

 

Hope and Dreams Sports Festival 2025
The 3^rd Hope and Dreams Sports Festival will once again serve as a cornerstone of THF’s mission. Discussions are underway with six International Federations to expand the festival’s scope, promoting unity through sport. While Baseball5 has confirmed its participation, other sports, including basketball, judo, and rowing, have expressed strong interest.

 

In 2025, the THF will seek to elevate its visibility on international platforms such as the Fair Play Committee Awards and the Right Livelihood Award, amplifying its message of resilience and solidarity through Taekwondo, looking for global recognition and advocacy.

 

Dr. Choue concluded the meeting by unveiling World Taekwondo’s new motto for 2025: Harmony Brings Glory. This powerful statement encapsulates the foundation’s commitment to unity, collaboration, and compassion as the driving forces behind its impactful work.

 

As the THF embarks on another ambitious year, its mission remains clear: to use Taekwondo as a tool for empowerment, healing, and hope, ensuring that no one is left behind.