unesco-ifma-youth-muaythai

Muaythai might traditionally be associated with kicks and punches, but its International Federation also wants it to be a force to build peace and inclusion in Bangkok’s disadvantaged areas.

Following the Olympic recognition of Muaythai in December, IFMA and UNESCO have plans to revitalize Bangkok’s urban slums by building sporting complexes in collaboration with BMA. This is part of a wider project to promote inclusion and youth empowerment through sports.

UNESCO will work with the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) to transform three impoverished areas in Bangkok and create sporting complexes with free access for all.

The initiative, which falls within the scope of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the World Muaythai Council (WMC) under which IFMA sits, is part of a new partnership between UNESCO and IFMA aimed at carrying out projects to advance youth and social inclusion through community participation in sports.

Read full story at http://www.unescobkk.org