AMMAN, Jordan (May 1, 2024) - The first day of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Hope and Dreams Sports Festival in Jordan began with memorable visits to the Azraq and Zaatari refugee camps.

 

World Taekwondo President and THF Chairman Dr Chungwon Choue was joined by World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) President Riccardo Fraccarri and the UNHCR Head of Field Office for the Azraq Camp Sondos El Nour among the VIP guests.

 

Representatives from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), THF Board, Jordan Taekwondo Federation, Taishan Sports and Korean Embassy in Jordan were also in attendance, and all received a warm welcome to the Azraq Camp.

 

They witnessed a spectacular Taekwondo demonstration showcase from children in the THF’s flagship project at the Humanitarian Sports Center in the Azraq Camp, followed by demonstrations of Baseball5, Badminton and Basketball.

 

The THF’s project in the Azraq Camp aims to use sport and education to deliver quality of life and teach Olympic values, and now includes 100 black belt holders.

 

Baseball5 is part of the activities at the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival for the second year running, building on the strong collaboration between the THF, World Taekwondo and WBSC, while Badminton is featuring for the first time thanks to the THF and World Taekwondo’s strengthened ties with the BWF.

 

This is in line with the THF’s goal to work with International Federations in empowering refugees through sport.

 

Dr. Chungwon Choue said: “It is a very touching day for me today. The growth of the second Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, with the participation of Baseball5, Badminton, and Basketball, is testimony of how much we can achieve together for Olympism and peace."

 

Mr. Riccardo Fraccari commented: "I am very happy to be back in Azraq refugee camp again for the second Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, this time to see more children playing Baseball5. It is amazing to see what our sport can do to help the children enjoy their lives in difficult circumstances. I am also proud to be a family of this meaningful program together with my good friend, Dr. Chungwon Choue."

 

Guests gathered for lunch in small groups with the children participating in the THF Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, and the visit to the Azraq Camp was marked by a generous donation of an acre of artificial grass and mats that can be used on an everyday basis by Taishan Sports.  

 

Taishan Sports has also committed to matching this donation at the Zaatari Camp, where representatives from the participating organisations travelled to for the afternoon’s activities and watched a stunning Taekwondo demonstration.

 

This is the second edition of the THF Hope and Dreams Sports Festival, following on from last year’s successful debut as a multi-sport event. It serves as an opportunity to promote health and wellbeing among refugees, with a particular focus on young people.

 

Dr. Chungwon Choue added: "At the Olympic Refuge Foundation Board Meeting a few days ago, I heard that the global population of refugees and displaced persons could reach 130 million by the end of this year. It is a shocking and sad figure. I hope that projects such as the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival could help alleviate the suffering of the children and youth, and offer them a pathway to lead fulfilling lives."

 

The THF Hope and Dreams Sports Festival is being held across three days, with a Hope and Dreams Refugee Taekwondo Championships taking place in Jordan’s capital Amman on Friday (May 3rd).