On behalf of the Penang State Government, I would like to welcome 250 participants from all over Malaysia. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank North Peninsular Malaysia Taekwondo Association for their diligence and hard work in organising this championship.
Championships such as this are held to allow athletes to benchmark themselves against the best and as a platform for the national organization to identify the best athletes for international competitions. In addition, taekwondo is not only a sport, it is also a martial art, requiring exponents to memorise and recite the Taekwondo oath and understand the tenets of taekwondo.
Tenets of Taekwondo are : Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverence, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. The application and understanding of such principles will undoubtedly contribute to a community that will serve the nation better.
I observe from the delegation and participants here today that you are a multi racial set up. I congratulate ITFM and it’s leaders for the success in creating a more harmonious and diverse platform to develop friendship regardless of race, age and background.
Happy New Year and enjoy Penang the best street food in the world and our world-class UNESCO World Heritage City of George Town!
Thank you.