The World Taekwondo Federation today appointed Miss Nia Sanchez, a fourth-degree taekwondo black belt holder and former Miss U.S.A., as a "Goodwill Ambassador" of the WTF as part of its ongoing commitment to identifying ways to increase female participation around the world.
Miss Sanchez, 25, who was crowned the Miss U.S.A. in 2014, started practising taekwondo at the age of 8 and has been a vocal supporter of taekwondo and the benefits it can bring to those who practise it.
At the ceremony, which was held at the WTF Seoul headquarters, WTF President Chungwon Choue presented Miss Sanchez with a plaque of appointment as the WTF Goodwill Ambassador.
Speaking after the ceremony, President Choue said:
"Taekwondo is truly a sport for all and at the WTF we are always trying to find ways to promote the sport and the values it represents. Under Olympic Agenda 2020, we are working hard to foster greater gender equality. Miss Sanchez has an international following and as a WTF Goodwill Ambassador, she will greatly help us to spread awareness of our sport and stimulate greater participation – particularly among young people."
During the ceremony, Miss Sanchez showed off her taekwondo skill as she took part in a photo session with members of the WTF Taekwondo Demonstration Team.
Miss Sanchez added:
"It is a great honor to be appointed as a WTF Goodwill Ambassador. Taekwondo and the values it teaches have played a big part in my life and I want as many people as possible to benefit from the sport in the same way I have.
"Young people today, particularly young girls, can come under a lot of pressure, so I think it is important that through sports like taekwondo we show them that they can be involved in something that is welcoming and inclusive. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what you look like, everyone can have fun and stay healthy by practicing taekwondo."
Sanchez added, "I have long wished to visit Korea, where taekwondo originated, and I am really happy to be here. I want to see and experience much of Korean taekwondo during my stay here in Korea."
Sanchez is the third non-Korean to have been appointed as a WTF Goodwill Ambassador. The WTF appointed Mr. Dave Mustaine, the leader of the U.S. legendary thrash metal band Megadeth, as a WTF Goodwill Ambassador in Seoul, Korea on October 27, 2007 and Miss Pongchanok Kanklab, Miss Thailand World 2009, as a WTF Goodwill Ambassador on January 23, 2010 in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sanchez will attend the 2015 World Taekwondo Grand Prix Final, the 2nd WTF Gala Dinner and the WTF World Taekwondo Team Championships, all to be held in Mexico City, Mexico in early December this year, at the invitation of President Choue.
For more information contact:
Justin Shea on +44 7917 825412
or at sg@wtf.org
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