austraLasia #3081
Figure Queen supports South Sudan Mission
SEOUL: 6 June 2012 -- Last Saturday, 2nd June, 'Figure Queen' Yuna Stella Kim, gold medallist in the Figure Skating, Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics event, visited Salesian Provincial House in Seoul and added herself to those helping to plan construction of 100 small schools in South Sudan, launched by the Salesian Sudan Delegation through Fr Vincenzo Donati's initiative.
Father Vincenzo Donati and Br James Comino, who actually belong to the Sudan Delegation but used to be Italian missionary members of KOR for more than 20 years, both came to Korea for the fund raising event on 7th May. They met many people, especially a past pupil who invited them to the occasion of home-coming day, an annual event encouraging past pupils to visit the Salesian High School 30 years after graduation.
Fr Donati had written to some well-known public figures to raise more money, like sportsman, popular singers, politicians, businessman. Many responded to his appeal. Yuna was one of them.
Yuna wanted to visit and meet them to hear some real stories of the Africa which had impressed her so much when she visited last summer for the 2018 Winter Olympics Campaign to be held in Korea. She donated US$ 60,000 , the cost equivalent to a small school construction.
Fr Donati said "As a figure queen, you have been a role model for many children in the world and this is real education, to give them something to dream for. I am really thankful to you for giving us a chance to realize children's dreams in South Sudan. Now you are the Queen of Love!"He also said "One of the schools will be named the 'Kim Yuna School' and I hope you can visit these children during their time at school after the construction is completed".
Kim Yuna said "I would gladly like to help their activities if I can help children of South Sudan". She also said "As an athlete and someone who is also going to be a teacher, I know the importance of education for all children. I will help children in poverty as much as I can."
Fr Donati gave Yuna a drawing of Mary Help of Christians on papyrus as a present and played the 'Blue Danube Waltz' on his accordion to thank Yuna. Br James has taken Yuna's autograph to include on a school plaque.
Figure Queen supports South Sudan Mission
Father Vincenzo Donati and Br James Comino, who actually belong to the Sudan Delegation but used to be Italian missionary members of KOR for more than 20 years, both came to Korea for the fund raising event on 7th May. They met many people, especially a past pupil who invited them to the occasion of home-coming day, an annual event encouraging past pupils to visit the Salesian High School 30 years after graduation.
Fr Donati had written to some well-known public figures to raise more money, like sportsman, popular singers, politicians, businessman. Many responded to his appeal. Yuna was one of them.
Yuna wanted to visit and meet them to hear some real stories of the Africa which had impressed her so much when she visited last summer for the 2018 Winter Olympics Campaign to be held in Korea. She donated US$ 60,000 , the cost equivalent to a small school construction.
Fr Donati said "As a figure queen, you have been a role model for many children in the world and this is real education, to give them something to dream for. I am really thankful to you for giving us a chance to realize children's dreams in South Sudan. Now you are the Queen of Love!"He also said "One of the schools will be named the 'Kim Yuna School' and I hope you can visit these children during their time at school after the construction is completed".
Kim Yuna said "I would gladly like to help their activities if I can help children of South Sudan". She also said "As an athlete and someone who is also going to be a teacher, I know the importance of education for all children. I will help children in poverty as much as I can."
Fr Donati gave Yuna a drawing of Mary Help of Christians on papyrus as a present and played the 'Blue Danube Waltz' on his accordion to thank Yuna. Br James has taken Yuna's autograph to include on a school plaque.
