Casa Italia, centre of the world in the name of brotherhood. The evocative meeting point of the Italian mission in PyeongChang became - this morning - the scene of a special encounter, able to underline the value of sport as a universal instrument of dialogue and peace. The exhibition by a representation of South Korean taekwondo athletes - in the presence of two North Korean athletes - reaffirmed the message that had already emerged during the opening ceremony of the 23rd Winter Olympic Games. The President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and the Secretary General, Roberto Fabbricini, in the presence of the CEO of Coni Servizi, Alberto Miglietta, - thanks to the initiative promoted by the President of the Italian Taekwondo Federation, Angelo Cito - welcomed the President of the World Taekwondo Federation, Choue Chungwon, and the President of the ITF, Ri Yongson: handshakes, smiles, common intentions to symbolize the closeness between the two Koreas, ideally blurring tensions of a political nature. Among the other Italian IOC members were Mario Pescante and Ivo Ferriani, the President of ASOIF, Francesco Ricci Bitti, as well as other members of the International Olympic Committee, Ivan Dibos (Peru), and Phillip Walter Coles (Australia).

Malagò thanked the delegations present and reiterated the importance of the event. We are proud that Casa Italia is promoting this great event and even more happy to celebrate its significance. Together with Angelo Cito, we invite everyone present to participate in the Taekwondo World Grand Prix, in early June, in the splendid setting of the Parco del Foro Italico".

The President of the WTF, Choue Chungwon, spoke with satisfaction "of the wonderful opportunity for sharing; yesterday, President Moon spoke of the Peace Games. In this dramatic moment for our countries we decided to unite the two teams and our motto is that peace is much more valuable than victory" and Ri Yong Song Song, President of ITF and of North Korea, emphasized "we are all Koreans, look at our faces". Yesterday, the whole world saw the two Koreas united. Taekwondo means peace and harmony. The Olympics is an event of peace. It is exciting for us that it is taking place in Korea.
The morning closed with an impressive performance attended by two North Korean athletes, Kim Kwangju and Ri Sukhyang. I am very excited about this meeting between our countries", said Ri SukHyang, who attended the Korean parade at the opening ceremony. "For me it is the second time in South Korea - added Kim Kwang Ju - and it has been exciting".