Olympic Torch Bearer – London 2012
Grand Master Donato Nardizzi honored for his contribution to Taekwon-Do and the community
The Olympic Spirit
May joy and good fellowship reign, and in this manner, may the Olympic Torch pursue its way through ages, increasing friendly understanding among nations, for the good of a humanity always more enthusiastic, more courageous and more pure.
Honored as a Torchbearer
Grand Master Nardizzi was chosen as a torchbearer in the 2012 London Olympics. He was nominated by Nicholas Mellor, Co-Founder of the Masanga MENTOR Ebola Initiative, whose son Theo trained in one of the Kids Program classes run by GM Nardizzi.
Carrying the Torch
GM Nardizzi carried the Olympic torch in the Merton area of London, cheered on by Taekwon-Do students, some dressed in their dobok. Millions of people worldwide watched the moment on the live broadcast.
He later described the experience as:
Exhilarating due to the joy and excitement emanating from the crowd.
An honor to represent ITF Taekwon-Do on such a celebrated occasion.
A Global Legacy
His nomination was approved by Lloyds Bank, one of the Olympic sponsors, in recognition of his decades of community teaching and his work in developing the Taekwon-Do Kids Program.
Today, this program is taught worldwide as the official ITF program for children, continuing to inspire and educate the next generation.
Olympics 2012
Watch footage of GM Nardizzi carrying the torch