PROF. CHANG
UNG IN NYC WITH IOC PRESIDENT AWARDING
OLYMPIC ORDER
TO SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE
UNITED NATIONS
 |
| Taekwon-Do Students greet Prof. Chang Ung, ITF President upon his arrival into NYC JFK airport in the USA. |
The 3rd
International Forum on Sport for Peace and Development took place in New York
with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) honouring United Nations (UN)
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the Olympic Order. The award was in
recognition of the UN Secretary-General’s strong personal commitment to use
sport as a tool for social change, a concept brought to life through various
joint IOC-UN projects at community level. It was also under Mr. Ban that the
IOC received UN observer status in 2009.
The UN
Secretary-General and IOC President Jacques Rogge delivered keynote speeches at
the Forum, held for the first time at the UN headquarters.
President Rogge
said, “As we meet here today, sport
is at work for peace and development in countries around the world.
Collaboration in this area has increased dramatically and involves a wide range
of committed partners.” He added: “The relationship between the IOC and the UN
goes back many years. Our organizations have two very different roles in
society, but we share some core values.”
“As
I have often said, sport cannot solve all of the world’s problems. It is not a
panacea for all the ills that afflict society. But it can be an effective tool
for education, gender equality, conflict prevention and resolution, economic
development and better health.”
“It
can provide hope in the face of despair, joy amid sorrow and a sense of purpose
to those who have lost their way. Let us leave here more determined than ever
to put sport to work for peace and development.”
UN
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said, “The
link between sport, peace and development grows stronger by the year. It can be
traced back in history to the original Olympic Truce, which guaranteed safe
passage to athletes and other travellers attending the ancient Games. It is
found in the bidding requirements for modern Olympic host cities, which are
asked to provide a durable social and environmental legacy. And it is evident
throughout the United Nations system, which has embraced sport as a valuable
vehicle for reaching our peace and development objectives. The International
Olympic Committee is a key partner.”
“Let us work to make our
sports events advertisements for the principles of peace, dignity, equality,
justice and fairness.”
“The International
Paralympic Committee has done excellent work over years to break down negative
stereotypes and build positive attitudes. It is important that we work to build
societies where all people, no matter their disability, can enjoy the right to
play sports – and live their lives -- in safe, inclusive environments.”
(It should be noted that Mr. Ben Evans is doing wonderful work in
this area in New Zealand. His efforts have been admired and seen first hand
when the New Zealand Prime Minster, made a personal visit to witness the training
of these special Taekwon-doin. Keep checking back for more information on when
his book on this topic will be released!)
“I am happy to see more
governments using sport and physical activity as a tool for social and economic
development. The United Nations stands ready to partner with organizations such
as the IOC to promote sport for all regardless of health or wealth, colour or
creed.”
In
the framework of promoting peace through sport and the Olympic ideal, the IOC
established an International Olympic Truce Foundation (IOTF) in July 2000. Through
this global and symbolic concept, the IOC in part aims to use sport to
establish contacts between communities in conflict and to create a window of
opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation.
The IOC
undertakings for the Olympic Truce extend beyond the period of the Olympic
Games and have led to the implementation of a series of "sport for
peace" activities through its National Olympic Committees.
"Sport alone cannot enforce or
maintain peace. But it has a vital role to play in building a better and more
peaceful world." Dr Jacques Rogge, IOC President,
October 2007
"Sports by its nature may be
competitive, but sports can be a very powerful tool and vehicle to promote
dialogue and peace and reconciliation. Unfortunately we are experiencing
problems in many parts of the world, but through sports we can promote peace
and dialogue and reconciliation. This is exactly what the United Nations and
the IOC share - the same goals and objectives." Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary
General
International
Olympic Truce Foundation is made up of IOC and UN personnel, along with certain
heads of international federations, National Olympic Committees, athletes,
former players, noted sports personalities as well as members of
non-governmental organizations. The IOTF also appoints those people who they
believe will help promote the objects of the Foundation.
Among those on the committee in this category are Mr. Adolf OGI, Former
President of Switzerland, HE Mr. Thorvald STOLTENBERG the Former Minister of
Foreign Affairs for Norway and Dr. Ung CHANG the IOC Member from the D.P.R.
Korea and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).
You may remember that General Choi Hong-hi, the
founder and first President of the ITF, who many look to as the founder of
Taekwon-Do, personally selected Dr. Chang, PhD to succeed him as the ITF
President. Of course it was General Choi’s wish to use his Taekwon-Do as a
vehicle to build a more peaceful world. It is of course the ultimate goal of
ITF Taekwon-Do, as clearly stated in the final line of the Student’s Oath – “I
shall build a more peaceful world”!
Apparently the IOC and the UN agree with General’s
Choi assessment and selection of Prof. Chang, PhD. The ITF President was an
invited participant, assisting the IOC President with this all-important event.
(Above
information adapted from IOC & UN Press Releases, as well as information
made public via their respective websites)
View the official Olympic video for examples of how the peace through sports initiative
is making a difference in uniting & building a more peaceful world!
