Stakeholders of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation adopted a new constitution at an ordinary congress held at the Liberia School of Wushu at SKD in Paynesville City.
During the congress, the delegates voted for the passage of the documents by raising their hands, which many believed that the instrument is in line with their parent body’s constitution.
According to the body, with the adoption of a new constitution, the workings of the federation will be more efficient than ever before.
Speaking at the gathering, the president of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation, Master Junior Pewee Russian, encouraged delegates interest in sports should rise above personal feelings, adding that the crisis in Tae Kwon Do over the years has served as a stumbling block for the development of the sport.
” If we are not accusing someone of eating money that we don’t have, is the non-support from government through the minister of youth and sports that is affecting us all, and we carry so much hate in our hearts for each other, and trust me, if we don’t unite and change our attitude, we will end up discouraging the few good people we have around us today.”
“Sometimes, I ask myself what is happening to us. How can we develop Taekwondo when our minds are not developed in the direction of living together and respecting each other for the little effort we apply in promoting this sport? We all cannot lead at the same time; a kingdom with so many kings can never be developed, Master Russian wondered.
The President of the Liberia Taekwondo Federation also used the opportunity to extend thanks and appreciation to every delegate for their efforts in being cooperative by standing by him in every movement.
” I could have never made it this far without your support. As your son and president, I want us to turn a new page in Tae Kwon Do. Let’s unite and support each other for the benefit of our children’s children. We have fought for too long, and because of that, there is no more respect for masters and seniors.
He added that what is happening in Tae Kwon Do is not new in their federation or association, but the martial artists must demonstrate the difference because martial arts makes you disciplined on grounds that they cannot allow the spirit of confusion to keep them in bondage.
“As a student of Tae Kwon Do, I have heard and noticed the division among masters and students while serving as captain, technical director, and now president. I’m not a stranger to the struggle. I hereby ask each and every one of us to please respect each other. Tae Kwon Do makes you disciplined and humble; let us not forget about the discipline our masters place in us.”
“I plead with you, masters and students, let us unite and make the difference; we can help our country, Liberia, to teach Taekwondo or martial arts in every community and school. This is the only sport that teaches discipline, and we can help our young people in the street,” he narrated.
Master Russian at the same time reaffirmed his commitment to officials that with the help of the masters of council, his leadership will do everything humanly possible to develop Taekwondo in Liberia, no matter what the challenges.
Also speaking at the event, former Defense Minister J. Brownie Samukai showered praises on the Federation President, Master Junior Pewee Russian.
He said he is impressed with a lot of innovations at the federation now because of the efforts Master Russian made over the years as an athlete and later as an administrator.
He also encouraged other members of the federation to stand by him and keep the sport alive.
