Figure skating star Yuna Kim named newest UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
After having won the 2010 Olympic gold medal in figure skating, superstar Yuna Kim is adding another honour to her collection, signing on to become the newest Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Ms. Kim of the Republic of Korea said she has long been a supporter of the agency, and was motivated to step up her participation with UNICEF after Haiti was devastated by a massive earthquake earlier this year.
“I want to use my own positive experience to help the children of Haiti and the millions of vulnerable children around the world,” she said. “Even in the hardest circumstances, dreams can give you the courage to live, and I hope that I can share that message with children in need.”
The 19-year-old Olympic champion began figure skating at the age of five. She is currently ranked first in the world by the International Skating Union (ISU), and she is the first female skater to pass the 200-point mark under its judging system.
“Yuna Kim is not just a figure skating champion, she is a wonderful champion for children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake.
The skater has lent her voice to help raise awareness about children in need, recording a special televised plea for additional help for Haiti’s young people in the wake of the January quake, reminding the world that the impoverished nation’s problems are far from over.
Mr. Lake said that UNICEF looks forward to Ms. Kim “inspiring support for children just as she inspired the world at the Olympics.”
Source: UN News
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