IFMA believes that when one gives, two get happy and since the inauguration of IFMA in 1993, giving back through muaythai has played an important part in the IFMA philosophy.
Muaythai has been passed down for over 1000 years from generation to generation and as in muaythai, as in life, the purpose is to plant trees under whose shade we do not expect to sit. There have been so many memorable experiences through the Sport Is Your Gang campaign, donating over 3000 computers to kids in need in rural areas.
Working within the refugee camps in Thailand, providing support to refugees affected by displacement, having a refugee team at every IFMA World Championship since 2014 including the World Games and European Olympic Games and the list goes on sending a worldwide message of inclusion and hope as we strongly believe many do not have a choice but the IFMA Family does.
IFMA as an IOC recognized cooperation will continue their close partnership with the United Nations, UNESCO, Generations for Peace, Peace and Sport, Right to Play, etc. to do our best to bring smiles to young lives disrupted by violence, poverty, conflict and displacement. Muaythai is much more than a combat sport, the five pillars are a way of life and gives an opportunity to develop, grow, heal and smile.
Over 120 million people around the world are displaced with over 70 percent coming from countries like Afghanistan, Syria, South Sudan, Ukraine and Palestine. This is why, over the years, special initiatives have been made to ensure that these countries are especially supported. An example is where the Ukrainian National Team, prior to the IFMA World Championships, the World Games and the European Games were in Thailand to have the chance to prepare and enter competition to be the best that they could be and for IFMA, always to stand as ONE family.
This is why, IFMA has invited the entire Palestine Youth National Team, 18 pax in total, to travel to Thailand for a special sporting exchange program with cultural and sporting activities.
After a long and arduous journey, the youth have arrived in Bangkok and a special welcome reception was hosted by IFMA, the Thai National Identity Foundation and His Serene Highness Nawaphansa Yugala together with the IFMA President, Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan, the President of United Through Sports, Stephan Fox, all welcomed the youth and the President of the Palestine Muaythai Federation Mr. Shaker Alsharouf.
Let us stand together through the power of muaythai to foster peace and contribute to social change. IFMA welcomes the youth.
