From 17 to 20 October 2024 were held the final activities for Project Taekwon-Do for Rights with № 101133552 Co-financed by the European Union, brings together Taekwon-Do enthusiasts and law enforcement representatives from across Europe to foster a deeper connection between young athletes and local law enforcement authorities. This inspiring Project is Coordinated by the Central Police Taekwon-Do Club (CPTC) from a total of ten European countries – Bulgaria, Belgium, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania, all united under a common goal: to promote civic engagement and social inclusion through sport.
The Vision of Taekwon-Do for the Rights
The Taekwon-Do for Rights project strives to inspire young athletes, aged 12 to 17, to become more actively involved in their communities. By bridging the gap between youth and local authorities, the initiative encourages stronger local bonds, promoting trust and cooperation. In doing so, the project not only uplifts the participants but also strengthens the foundation of their communities, fostering respect, inclusivity, and active citizenship.
Project activities
The coordinator Central Police Taekwon-Do Club from Bulgaria called numerous common meetings which were held via Zoom and were very concentrated and productive where aims of the project were well defined and assessed as very relevant for the current situation across all Europe. The involving Project activities were very interesting for the young people especially the received information from the participating representatives of law enforcement authorities in all countries.
One of the main and Project closing events was the Project Taekwon-Do for Rights Taekwon-Do Competition.
For this revolutionary event all guest competitors, umpires and coaches had all costs for transport and full board accommodation covered by the Project. Also, there was delivered gifts for all participants: a dobok and full sparring equipment for all 285 athletes, navy blue suit and a shirt for the umpires, gym bag and dobok for the coaches, medal souvenir and a back pack for all volunteers!
This prestigious event wass hosted by Sabum Vencislav Ignatov, the President of the Central Police Taekwon-Do Club and Bulgarian Association of Taekwon-Do. Joining him are esteemed officials, including:
Welcoming Dignitaries and Officials
- Master Leonardo Oros Duek: President of the All European Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) and Treasurer of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
- Sabum Cosmin Oprescu: Board Member of ITF
- Mrs. Evgenia Nemska: Head of the Office of the Executive Director of the National Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria
- Mrs. Kristiana Kazandzhieva: President of Agenda Ltd., Project Consultant
Each of these individuals plays an instrumental role in supporting the goals of the Taekwon-Do for Rights project, guiding it toward successful implementation and sustainable impact.
Also, as leaders of the partner organizations and taking part in the competition with different functions were:
- GM Jerzy Jedut: Board Member of AETF
- Master Virginia Dionisi: Vice-President of AETF
- Master Alexandru Muresan: Board Member of AETF
- Sabum Peter Szasz: Board Member of AETF
- Sabum Yavor Tasev: Secretary General of AETF
Honoring Our European Partners
Today’s event is also an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the project’s international partners. Representing a variety of organizations across Europe, these partners demonstrate the project’s commitment to unity and cultural exchange. We warmly appreciate the inclusion in the Project of the following participants:
- TKD Ahac Šentjur, Slovenia
- Athlitikos Syllogos Tetrathlon Aristotelis, Greece
- Romanian Taekwon-Do ITF Federation, Romania
- International Topflight Brussels ASBL, Belgium
- TKD Spirit Association, Hungary
- Taekwon-Do Ge-Baek Prešov, Slovakia
- Čin-Gu, Latvia
- Taekwon-Do Club Soko – Bačka Topola, Serbia
- Miejski Klub Sportowy Lewart AGS Lubartów, Poland
- Central Police Taekwon-Do Club, Bulgaria
This broad representation exemplifies the project’s goal to foster solidarity across borders through the universal language of Taekwon-Do.
Ceremonial Plaques of Appreciation
In recognition of their dedication to the Taekwon-Do for Rights initiative, plaques of appreciation will be presented to the official guests by Mr. Vencislav Ignatov. These awards signify gratitude for their contributions, underscoring the importance of partnership and collaboration in making this event, and the project as a whole, a success.
Kids competition under the program “Young Friends of Police”
During the last competition day all participants could see the competition of the smallest Taekwon-Do practitioners following the program “Young Friends of Police” developed by Sports Association of Ministry of Interior of Bulgaria developed by Central Police Taekwon-Do Club for more than 20 years.
Project Taekwon-Do for Rights is more than just a sporting event; it’s a movement towards a more inclusive and engaged society. Through initiatives like this, young people and local authorities build relationships rooted in trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose. We applaud all the athletes, officials, and supporters here today for their role in this noble endeavor.
Official YouTube video of the event