Australian Taekwondo has recently garnered international recognition for its exceptional governance practices in the field of taekwondo. World Taekwondo, after conducting a thorough review of 213 International Federations, has acknowledged Australian Taekwondo as one of the six leading Member National Associations in terms of best practice governance, awarding it an impressive A1 rating.

During the General Assembly held in Baku, the official commendation and congratulations were extended to Australian Taekwondo by World Taekwondo. The Secretary General of World Taekwondo, Jeongkang Seo, praised the organization, emphasizing that this remarkable achievement reflects the unwavering dedication and commitment of Australian Taekwondo in upholding the highest standards of governance and fostering the advancement of taekwondo.

Over the past two years, Australian Taekwondo has embarked on a journey to elevate its governance and policies to meet global sports standards. The organization has prioritized providing its stakeholders with a structured framework, streamlined processes, and robust operational frameworks. Jean Kfoury, the President of Australian Taekwondo, expressed immense pride in being recognized as a leading country in terms of business, governance, and regulatory requirements. Kfoury acknowledged the diligent efforts of the Board and Executive Team in transforming the administration of taekwondo in Australia, implementing policies and regulations to mitigate risks and safeguard members.

According to Kfoury, regulations should not be perceived as restrictive measures, but rather as a means of ensuring fairness and protecting the integrity of the sport and martial art. Heather Garriock, the Chief Executive Officer of Australian Taekwondo, alongside President Jean Kfoury, received significant praise from World Taekwondo at the General Assembly. Garriock expressed delight in witnessing the transformation of the association into a frontrunner in corporate business and governance for National Member Associations. The recognition from World Taekwondo positions Australian Taekwondo as a best-practice model for professional standards, with other countries now looking to it for inspiration.

Garriock emphasized that the achievement is a result of collective efforts, stating, “It has been a team effort, and we have achieved this together.” She further highlighted the significance of Australian Taekwondo’s focus on safety, aiming to be the safest martial art in Australia. Garriock believes that the recognition as an A1-rated organization provides new and existing members with reassurance that affiliated clubs meet approved safety and governance standards on both national and global levels.

The Confederation of Australian Sport (CAS) also conveyed its congratulations to Australian Taekwondo, acknowledging its position as a global leader in business and corporate governance as recognized by World Taekwondo. This recognition solidifies Australian Taekwondo’s reputation and underscores its commitment to maintaining high standards in the sport.

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Photo Courtesy Australian Taekwondo

Courtesy Australian Taekwondo