The World Taekwondo Federation appointed Miss Nia
Sanchez, a fourth-degree taekwondo black belt and the 2014 Miss U.S.A.,
as a “Goodwill Ambassador” for the WTF on July 27, 2015, as part of its
ongoing commitment to identifying ways to increase female participation
around the world.
Miss Sanchez, 25, who was the fourth Hispanic to be
crowned the Miss U.S.A. in 2014, started practicing taekwondo at the age
of 8 and has been a vocal supporter of taekwondo and the benefits it
can bring to those who practice it.
At the ceremony, which was held at the WTF Seoul
headquarters, WTF President Chungwon Choue delivered Miss Sanchez with a
plaque of appointment as the WTF Goodwill Ambassador.
Speaking at the ceremony, WTF President Chungwon 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 said:
“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 are
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 am really happy to be here. I want to see and
experience much of Korean taekwondo during my stay here in Korea.”
During the final question portion of the 2014 Miss USA
competition, Sanchez was asked by a judge about the high rate of sexual
assault affecting undergraduate women. She responded by saying, “It is
important to be able to defend yourself.”
She will attend the 2014 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.
Sanchez’s appointment marks the third time the WTF has appointed a non-Korean goodwill ambassador.
The WTF appointed Mr. Dave Mustaine, front man of the
legendary U.S. thrash metal band Megadeth, as Goodwill Ambassador in
Seoul, Korea on October 27, 2007. It also appointed Miss Pongchanok
Kanklab, the Miss Thailand World 2009, as its Goodwill Ambassador on
January 23, 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand.
