Fighting Spirit

For more than 28 years, Grandmaster Tae Eun Lee has provided Taekwondo instruction, free of charge, to children with disabilities in Ottawa. “I want to provide a program that benefits the minds and bodies of children with disabilities without the families having the burden of extra expenses.”

A native of South Korea, the friendly and encouraging Grandmaster Lee opened Ottawa’s first Taekwondo school in 1977. It now serves as the headquarters for more than 50 branches in Canada and around the world. He holds the rank of 9th Dan black belt (the highest level attainable).

There are about 20 students with disabilities, aged 5 to 20, in his classes. Many of the kids have cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome or motor coordination disabilities. Training in Taekwondo can help increase the kids’ concentration and confidence and improve their self-esteem and coordination. Students are evaluated and must get approval from their doctors before they can begin training. The program is so popular that there is often a waiting list.

“I try to instil a ‘Yes I can!’ positive attitude, so that the kids don’t focus on their disability as a barrier or a deterrent, but as a fact of life – and often an inspiration – to strive to be better,” says Grandmaster Lee.

For more info, contact Master David Silverman, Director of the Canadian Special Needs Taekwondo Federation, at (613) 722-6133, or visit www.taelee.ca.