Dr. Chungwon Choue, president of the World Taekwondo Federation, send letters of condolences on May 9, 2008 to the president of the Myanmar Taekwondo Federation, and the president of the Myanmar Olympic Committee, over the loss of lives resulting from a recent natural disaster in the Southeast Asian country.

In the letter to Mr. Htay Myint, president of the Myanmar Taekwondo Federation, WTF President Choue extended his “deepest” condolences to the people of Myanmar for the “profound” loss of lives from the devastating cyclone which hit Myanmar last week.

According to the latest reports, the cyclone might take about 100,000 lives and leave about one million homeless, one of the worst natural disasters in recent history.

“No words can do justice to the desolation suffered by your people at this very moment,” Dr. Choue said in the letter. “We, however, urge you not to give up on those who have survived and strive to help them rebuild their shattered lives.”

He continued to say, “The global taekwondo family stands by you in the hope of a quick recovery and we will be with you always in times of need.”

Dr. Choue also sent a similar letter of condolences to H.E. Brigadier General Thura Aye Myint, president of the Myanmar Olympic Committee.

“As part of our efforts to assist you, I wish to inform you that the World Taekwondo Federation will donate a sum of U.S.$3,000 to the Myanmar Olympic Committee,” he said in the letter. “We hope that you will be able to use this contribution to rebuild the sports infrastructure in your country and bring hope to your people.”