YH Park Taekwondo Teams Up With Miss USA Against Bullying

                       

YH Park Taekwondo Teams Up With Miss USA Against Bullying

Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, inspiring the children

Officer Thorsten & Master Park

August 8, 2014-  On August 8, 2014, Edward Park, Master and Director of the YH Park Taekwondo Academy of Levittown NY teamed up with 2014's Miss USA, Nia Sanchez, to present an Anti-Bullying workshop for the Police Youth Association of NYC.   This volunteer event was organized under the Community Affairs Division of the NYC Police Department and gave Master Park and Miss Sanchez an opportunity to provide the150 children, in attendance, a fun filled and educational program on a topic of vital concern.

Master Edward Park

Master Park discussed the importance of living a life highlighted by five aims: Respect, Humility, Perseverance, Self Control, and Honesty.  While Park is a Master of the ancient martial art of Taekwondo, he encouraged the children to use their greatest weapon in the defense of bullies, their minds.   He emphasized verbal skills and self confidence over violence in addressing bullying in the schools and on the streets.  The children, ranging from ages 10 through 16, had the opportunity to react to live bullying scenarios "one to one" under the supervision of Park and the supervising police and School Safety staff in attendance at the event.

Nia Sanchez, 2014 Miss USA, is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and spoke with the students about adhering to the value of integrity in all aspects of their lives.  She recounted for the children how she overcame adversity, as a child that spent time with her mother in a women's shelter, to achieve her dreams of becoming Miss Nevada and, most recently, Miss USA.  Her message of empowerment resonated with the captivated audience.

The Children of the PYA

The program concluded with the children performing well choreographed, international dance numbers for the presenters, as well as an autograph and photo session, which lasted over 90 minutes.

Miss USA, Master Park and smiling faces

The ongoing mission of the PYA is to provide Community Outreach through interaction with the children of the local community, by providing ongoing programming, such the Anti Bullying one held at IS-145 in Jackson Heights.  Throughout NYC, the PYA program provides free services to over 2000 children.

Miss USA with NYC's Finest

Miss USA with some PYA Staff