Today, Wednesday, the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation announced the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire for the federation and champion Leticia Aoun, who has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics, during a grand press conference held at the Lebanese Club for Cars and Tourism (Keslik).
Dr. Raja Labaki attended to represent Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. George Kallas, Brigadier General Mohammad Fossa'i represented the Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, Major Walid Tanouri represented the Director General of Internal Security Forces Major General Imad Othman, Captain Oliver Hamzi represented the Director General of State Security Major General Toni Saliba, Master Park represented the South Korean Embassy, Amani Bro represented the Ivorian Embassy in Lebanon, President of the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation Dr. Habib Zreifeh, President of the Fencing Federation Jihad Salameh, President of the Heritage Federation Maroun Khalil, the Taekwondo family including the administrative committee of the federation, club presidents and members, coaches, champion Leticia Aoun, and members of the press and media.
**Opening of the Event**
The national anthem was played, followed by a speech from the event's host, Jennifer Al-Harran, who welcomed attendees on behalf of Dr. Habib Zreifeh and the administrative committee of the Taekwondo Federation. She stated:
"We meet once again to talk about Taekwondo and today’s announcement of the support from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire to the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation and champion Leticia Aoun, who has previously qualified for the Paris Olympics starting on July 26. The Lebanese community playing a major role in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire once again demonstrates its yearning for the homeland and its champions who raise Lebanon's name high."
**Dr. Zreifeh's Speech**
The second speech was from Dr. Habib Zreifeh, where he said: "Eight years since my election as President of the Taekwondo Federation, the sport has shone significantly. It’s been 8 years of effort and hard work from the federation's administrative committee and the family of the sport composed of clubs, administrators, coaches, players, and referees. I won’t forget the journalists and media. The Taekwondo community is actively working, and we take pride in it. In 2020, following the catastrophic Beirut Port explosion, we organized the Asian Championship, and in 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we held the Beirut Open, and today our champion Leticia Aoun has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics. We say to her on behalf of the family of the sport 'Thank you and to your family, and to the friend Jihad Salameh for his unlimited support.' Thanks also to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire led by Dr. Joseph Khoury for their support and businessman Khalil Zain. There is a support protocol with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire for a duration of one year. Thanks to Rena Abdel Nour, Fadi Siah, Coach Dr. George Asaf, the Olympic Committee, the coaching team, and the heads of all committees of the federation. I always repeat that we exist in 'the strongest nation and the weakest state.' There are many large countries from which no one has qualified for the Olympics. We are walking on the values and principles of the military foundation, and the military forces protect the homeland. I promise you that the Lebanese Taekwondo Federation will remain committed to developing the sport, nurturing the youth, and achieving accomplishments. Over the past eight years, our male and female athletes have won 158 colored medals in external championships and competitions, which is a huge number under the most challenging conditions. We will continue our journey hoping to win an Olympic medal long awaited for 44 years, with the goal of qualifying for the 2028 Olympics as well. We will never despair, and thanks to the family of the sport and the journalists and media."
**Salameh's Speech**
The third speech was from Jihad Salameh, President of the Mon La Salle Club, to which champion Leticia Aoun belongs, who said: "The Olympic motto consists of five rings representing the five continents, and there is a connection and integration between the five continents. In my opinion, there are five factors that lead to success: parents, the club, the federation, the Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Where are we today? Parents play a significant role in supporting their champion children. Previously, Mon La Salle Club player Michel Samaha won a bronze medal in the Youth Olympics in 2010 during the late President Antoine Chartier's term. The federation, led by Dr. Habib Zreifeh, is progressing from success to success, leaving a strong imprint, and Zreifeh is known for his professional institutional work. As for the Lebanese Olympic Committee, we cannot currently blame it due to the existing situation, and we hope to soon witness Olympic assistance for participants in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Ministry of Youth and Sports is perhaps lacking due to the economic situation Lebanon has experienced for several years, and greater efforts are needed from them to secure resources, with Minister Dr. George Kallas needing to take the initiative to secure funding. If the efforts of the five factors come together, we can achieve a lot and produce champions. I wish success to the Lebanese mission at the Olympics and to champion Leticia Aoun in achieving a medal."
**Aoun's Speech**
The final word was for champion Leticia Aoun, who spoke about her intensive preparations, training twice daily, and that she would soon leave for France to continue her training. She revealed that she considered quitting Taekwondo several years ago, but Dr. Zreifeh convinced her to reconsider, saying, "I qualified for the Olympics thanks to his support." She added, "The federation provided me with everything, and I want to thank the coaches and my family for their support, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire." In conclusion, Aoun expressed her hope to win an Olympic medal to fulfill a dream she has had since childhood.
