My dear friends !

It is my intention, when writing this short message, to bring to your knowledge my project as a candidate to the presidency of the Portuguese Federation of Taekwondo.

This attitude is not only a cry for alert and an inner state of agony which has been growing since July 2004, by seeing attitudes and a behaviour adopted by the ones who are in power, which reflect absolutism, lack of rules, despotism and predominance of tyranny as well as deafness.

Due to the fact that there is a tremendous lack of management in addition to casuistic measures, no sense of direction and confusion.

Due to the fact that the present critical state in which Taekwondo goes through in Portugal, demands a firm attitude.

It is mandatory that someone with a responsible character takes the stand so as to preserve Taekwondo in Portugal.

Therefore, we are here to let you know about our intentions which stand on three fundamental key issues:

• Taekwondo is our common denominator.
• Taekwondo needs an attitude of passion.
• We have a consistent project for Taekwondo.

We also have a goal to attain and a strategy which we intend to carry out.

Men are gregarious creatures, therefore, I have brought along with me into this project, Taekwondo people who are totally reliable and without whom I would not be able to carry on. They all have provided the fundamental support to achieve the main goal of this project, which is the growth and development of Taekwondo.

I have commissioned myself on this presentation not to mention any bold attitude shown particularly by the direction or any unlawful interest performed by “The War Lords” (in the last two years). Nevertheless, due to situations which have occurred and provoked a great disbelief towards the Federation, the Masters and the Taekwondo family, I can not just let it go, without referring two consequences I consider important:

1. – The sports results, poor to the country and shameful to the athletes.
2. – The constant overlooking of guide lines, internal rules, norms and ethic principles of sports and fair play.

Our athletes did not ever win a single combat on important competitions they took part such as: The senior and junior World Championship, the senior European Championship and the Lusofonia Games.

Facing these facts, the following question occurs to me: Whose fault is it? In my point of view, if we analyse the problem thoroughly, it is mandatory to state it is rather unfair to put the blame only on the athletes.

The next president of the Portuguese Federation of Taekwondo must not be someone distant from the problems and concerns of the athletes, technicians, directors and associations. He should be in contact with all associates, and never forget the fact that the heads of associations as well as Taekwondo masters are his peers, therefore, these have the right to count on his total involvement and unconditional support.

The future president, will have to be able to find solutions to both serious and very serious problems, which have resulted not only on the poor management, but also the total discredit on the part of the state administration and official institutions as for example: “Instituto do Desporto de Portugal”, “Confederação do Desporto de Portugal” and “Comité Olimpico de Portugal” among others. He must commit all his efforts into the recovery of credibility and trust from these public institutions to the Federation and national Taekwondo.

Why this candidature?

Because we consider Taekwondo as an already mature sport and there are reliable people truly within Taekwondo, sufficiently capable to lead this wonderful sport.

As from now, I commit myself to the entire Taekwondo family, stating that I will do everything under my capability to recover the dignity of Taekwondo people and dignify it. Furthermore, I will use the best of my effort and knowledge, to advertise, promote, grow and develop Taekwondo in Portugal.

Externally, I will try to recover the prestige and credibility the federation enjoyed with the state and official institutions, in the past.

I will involve myself in a tirelessly manner, so that the Portuguese Taekwondo can be respected by the official organizations outside our borders.

According to all I have stated above, and “For An Attitude Of Passion”, I am counting on your valuable support.

Thank you very much!

José Luis Souza