The president of the World Taekwondo Federation proposed on Wednesday to transfer 100,000 disposable surgical masks to the International Olympic committee (IOC). The masks were originally donated to the World Taekwondo Federation by Wuxi Sports Bureau and Jiangsu Wuxi Economic Development Zone, according to Chungwon Choue, federation president.
In recent weeks, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to have shifted from Asia to Europe and other parts of the world, after gradual containment in China. After learning the IOC was facing difficulties, Chou decided to make the mask donation after confirming with Wuxi authorities.
“It is indeed a difficult time for IOC and our Summer IF colleagues,” Choue said in a letter to IOC president Thomas Bach. “I wish to inform you that World Taekwondo Federation would be donating masks to the IOC staff and some other select organizations. The gesture is made possible via the generous donation of Wuxi Municipal People’s Government,” it was added.
With many sports events being postponed or cancelled to protect the wellbeing of everyone involved, it is important we continue to live by Olympic values, showing friendship and respect to our fellow global citizens, Choue said.
