ID :
189029
Thu, 06/16/2011 - 13:23
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/189029
The shortlink copeid
Korean-American football star to become honorary ambassador: sources
SEOUL (Yonhap) - Korean-born American football player Hines Ward will be made an honorary ambassador for South Korea to promote relations between the two countries, sources said Thursday.
The 35-year-old player rose to stardom in South Korea after being voted the Most Valuable Player at the Super Bowl in 2006. Born to a Korean mother and an African-American serviceman, the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver has since become an advocate against the discrimination of biracial children in South Korea.
According to multiple government sources, Ward will be appointed as honorary ambassador for the "future vision" of South Korea-U.S. relations during a trip to New York by South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan next week.
His responsibilities are expected to include taking part in various events in the U.S. that relate to South Korea and offering ideas to expand ties between the people of the two nations.
"Ward's activities as an honorary ambassador will be a prime example of grassroots diplomacy that promotes dialogue between the people of the two sides," said one source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as the decision had yet to be announced. "His rags-to-riches story of going from the neglected class of American society to a legendary success will be a source of great hope for the many multiethnic children in South Korea."
The 35-year-old player rose to stardom in South Korea after being voted the Most Valuable Player at the Super Bowl in 2006. Born to a Korean mother and an African-American serviceman, the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver has since become an advocate against the discrimination of biracial children in South Korea.
According to multiple government sources, Ward will be appointed as honorary ambassador for the "future vision" of South Korea-U.S. relations during a trip to New York by South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan next week.
His responsibilities are expected to include taking part in various events in the U.S. that relate to South Korea and offering ideas to expand ties between the people of the two nations.
"Ward's activities as an honorary ambassador will be a prime example of grassroots diplomacy that promotes dialogue between the people of the two sides," said one source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as the decision had yet to be announced. "His rags-to-riches story of going from the neglected class of American society to a legendary success will be a source of great hope for the many multiethnic children in South Korea."
