Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah Honored with Korea’s Order of Merit

In August 2004, the Korean government presented Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah with the Order of Sport Merit (Maengho). The merit recognized her devoted volunteer services and outstanding contribution to enhancing the national prestige of Korea through people-to-people diplomacy at the Summer Universiade Daegu 2003 where university students gathered from around the world.

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah honored with the Order of Sport Merit (Maengho)

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (formerly known as the New Life Welfare Foundation) attended the launching ceremony of the Daegu Citizen Supporters at the gymnasium of the Daegu Civic Stadium on August 25, 2004. More than 1,300 citizens attended the event to celebrate successfully hosting the Universiade and to officially announce the citizen supporters with an award ceremony. Korean Ministers and Mayors presented 125 people with the Order of Merit, Medal of Honor, and Citations for their contribution to the success of the Universiade.

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah was the first one to be called to receive an award. On behalf of the President of Korea, the Mayor of Daegu presented Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah with the Order of Sport Merit (Maengho) for her outstanding commendable services in enhancing the national prestige and advancing sports.

Support for people with disabilities and contribution to the Universiade

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah attributed the award to the members, saying, “This award is thanks to all our members’ efforts and devotion.” The WeLoveU Foundation held the Family Walkathon Wishing for the Success of Daegu Summer Universiade before the Universiade took place. The WeLoveU Foundation donated five million KRW (about US$410,000) to help fund the activities of the supporters with disabilities for the Universiade.

Diverse volunteer activities took place even before the Universiade started and lasted until the end of the event. The WeLoveU Foundation took on the roles of welcoming athletes from different countries as they arrived at the airport, cheering them at each stadium, and even seeing them off at the airport at the end of their stay in Korea. The Foundation was highly praised for its contribution to the great success of the Universiade and giving the athletes a positive view of the nation.

In recognition of your outstanding contribution to national sports development according to the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea.

President of Korea Roh Moo-hyun (August 9, 2004)

“The success of the Universiade was thanks to your hard work and effort,” said Daegu Mayor Cho Hae-nyeong, who oversaw the Universiade Organizing Committee. He thanked the volunteers for their devoted participation and support.

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah helps local communities through diverse volunteer services

Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah had been helping neighbors and local communities even before the Universiade. Since 1995, she has supported teenagers who are heads of households with scholarships and neighbors in need with medical and living expenses. When the Sampoong Department Store collapsed, she carried out a free meal service to help its recovery.

Since the launch of the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation in 2001, volunteer activities have greatly broadened. At the FESPIC Games Busan 2002, the Foundation volunteered to welcome athletes with disabilities arriving from different countries. The Foundation shared love with local communities by helping children in need, visiting centers for children with disabilities and senior citizens living alone. The Foundation visited the farmers who were suffering from natural disasters, such as heavy snowfall and typhoons, to help them recover. At the Daegu subway arson tragedy in 2003, the Foundation made efforts to comfort those impacted by the tragedy and carried out a free meal service to give them hope.

This heartfelt volunteer service has become a medium to convey a mother’s love beyond nations, peoples, and languages. Chairwoman’s activities with a mother’s love will continue so that no one is left behind but all global villagers can enjoy happiness.