Para taekwondo athletes seek funds for Thai tourney

MIRI (Sept 23): PPDK Miri’s para-taekwondo athletes are gearing up for the 3rd One Heart International Para Taekwondo Cultural Festival & Taekwondo Tournament to be held in Chiang Mai, Thailand from Nov 29 to Dec 1.

Coach Kim Tae Ho told The Borneo Post that their success in winning the poomsae gold at the recent Datuk T-Arasu Cup & Para Taekwondo Championships held in Selangor was the inspiration behind this latest development.

However, to bring seven athletes along with backup participants and three guardians-cum-teachers to Thailand is a financial challenge. Kim said the estimated cost is between RM40,000 and RM50,000 for the five-day trip.

“In fact, last year I took two para-athletes to the same tournament in Thailand, funding the trip from my own budget. But this time, with a larger group, the costs exceed what I can personally afford.

“Having their teachers with them will be important to assist in their care, but the financial burden is much greater,” he explained.

Kim, who is Korea Taekwondo Association chairman in Malaysia, has been coaching in the country for six years after settling here a decade ago. He is committed to supporting para-athletes to recognising their potential. He organises taekwondo classes and events for able-bodied students and donate the proceeds to support the training of para-athletes.

“This is my small way of helping these children finding their value in life. I’ve seen the joy it brings them when they train and compete,” he said and added that training sessions are conducted three times a week.

He also highlighted the upcoming ‘White Tiger Taekwondo League 2024 – Circuit 1’ to be held in Permymall Miri on Nov 23.

“This would be one of the many events that I am organising to raise fund, as well as to offer an avenue to para-athletes to showcase their talent,” he said.

Meanwhile, MRC Sunflower Centre secretary Jocelyn Hee explained that they are unable to help much to cover the expenses for the para athletes to compete in the the international event in Thailand.

“MRC Sunflower Centre operates solely on public donations. So, we hope the public can help us make this dream a reality for these bright children, giving them the opportunity to experience the tournament in Thailand,” she said.