(March 31, 2017) -- On March 28, two members of the U.S. National Poomsae Team -- Alex Twu and Victoria Monina Dizon -- performed at the United Nations in New York City to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. Twu and Dizon were coached at the event by Huy Nguyen, one of Team USA's National Poomsae Team coaches. The World Taekwondo Federation specifically requested a U.S. National Poomsae Team pairs freestyle performance at the event, displaying its commitment to the showcasing poomsae at this prestigious event. Also performing at the event were two-time Olympic champion Jade Jones of Great Britain, World Junior sparring champion Skylar Park of Canada, and a youth demonstration team comprised of talented local athletes.
Twu and Dizon performed both their freestyle routine as well as recognized poomsae during several press conferences and events throughout the day. Said Coach Nguyen of the opportunity, "It was certainly an honor for the athletes and I to have the opportunity to attend this prestigious event. The event shared successful stories of how sports have enriched individual lives and brought peace and harmony to their community. As poomsae athletes and coaches, we all want to see poomsae in the Olympics one day. Until that day comes, we hope to see more opportunities like this that showcase world class athletes from both kyorugi and poomsae on the same stage."
See a video of the team's performance at https://www.facebook.com/peaceandsport/videos/1374763295900197.
The event was attended by UN staff members, including Joel Bouzou, President of Peace and Sport, in addition to WTF President Chungwon Choue, PATU President Ji Ho Choi, and WTF Secretary General Hoss Rafaty. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace has been observed by the UN every year since 2014.
Participants in the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
U.S. National Poomsae Team members Victoria Dizon (l) and Alex Twu (r) pose with Olympic champion Jade Jones, WTF President Chungwon Choue and Junior world champion Skylar Park.
U.S. National Poomsae Team coach Huy Nguyen (l) poses with WTF President Chungwon Choue and U.S. National Poomsae Team members Victoria Dizon and Alex Twu.
