The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation is giving 8 young athletes the opportunity to participate in the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix in Rome this June, as well as the chance to meet Pope Leo XIV.
Vatican News
From June 4 to 7, Rome will host the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix. Among those present will be 8 young athletes of around 10-years-old from the Azraq Refugee Camp in Jordan, which currently houses around 60,000 people.
For the first time in their lives, these children will have the opportunity to leave the refugee camp, thanks to an initiative by the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation, with the backing of the Italian Taekwondo Federation.
The group will participate in the “Kim and Liù” tournament—organized as part of the 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix—which will allow children to compete in the same venue and spaces as the world champions fighting for the Grand Prix title and for qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
As part of their stay in Rome, the group of child athletes will also be able to meet with Pope Leo XIV and visit the city and its cultural and historical sites.
The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation works with the International Taekwondo Federation (of which Athletica Vaticana—the Holy See’s official sports organization and association—is a part), to help refugees and displaced people worldwide through taekwondo and other educational tools. Through their initiatives they promote empowerment, peace, sustainability and Olympic values.
Courtesy of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation
A concrete expression of Olympic values
“The announcement of the children’s participation sparked immediate and profound emotion: disbelief, enthusiasm, and a growing anticipation that accompanies each day leading up to their departure,” Angelo Cito, the President of the Italian Taekwondo Federation, wrote in L’Osservatore Romano’s Italian edition.
“These initiatives represent a concrete expression of Olympic values, which cannot remain merely stated but must be put into real practice through tangible actions,” he said.
“It means working seriously, intervening directly in the most fragile contexts, and contributing to improving living conditions—especially for children, who are often the most affected by war and discrimination.”
Mr. Cito explained that the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation’s project, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has already offered new prospects to thousands of young people and their families. Other than in Jordan, the Foundation also has similar projects in Rwanda and Turkey.
“Field experiences, such as the one in Jordan, testify to the extraordinary determination of boys and girls who are aware of the challenges they face but equally committed to studying and practicing sport to build a better future,” Mr. Cito emphasized.
“In an era marked by growing inequality and persistent conflict, sports can still serve as a space for connection and empowerment,” Mr. Cito concluded.
“Taekwondo, with its discipline and values, offers a clear lesson today: true success isn’t just about standing on the podium, but about giving someone, anywhere in the world, the chance to finally do so.”