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Jackie Chan may be best known for employing his martial arts prowess in Hollywood, but, in his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, he is also bringing it to places like Dili, East Timor.
Screen kung fu legend Jackie Chan was greeted by thousands of cheering East Timorese on Wednesday in a UN goodwill visit to promote peace in the young and impoverished nation.Demonstrating new moves on stage in front of 5,000 martial arts fans at Dili's national stadium, Chan called on Timorese youth to avoid drugs and violence.
East Timor's violent history, young population, and overwhelmingly scarcity of jobs make for a volatile combination. Chan's message will likely resonate with the many East Timorese interested in martial arts and will hopefully convince many youths who may have been tempted to join gangs that the sport is meant to be used in a more positive, helpful way. And as this BBC report notes, the impact of a celebrity visit can only be realized when coupled with a more concerted effort to create valuable jobs in the country.
Comments
I think that this visit will help in one way or the other curbing the gang violence that has been happenig in East Timor.
Martial art is so popular in East Timor and the young people almost 6 out of ten involve in this kind of activity, coupled with lack of job oppportunities in East Timor one does not have to think far why this shit violence happen.
I am really grateful even I did not meet him,,,that he comes to show us what does martial art really mean...
Thanks.
Posted by: da Costa at June 25, 2008 11:39 PM