Olympic gold medalist Yuna Kim of South Korea is the new goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.
The 19-year old figure skating champion said she has been a long-time supporter of the international organization’s work and was motivated to deepen her involvement after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.
“I want to use my own positive experience to help the children of Haiti and the millions of vulnerable children around the world,” she said. “Even in the hardest circumstances, dreams can give you the courage to live, and I hope that I can share that message with children in need.”
She has helped raise awareness on the plight of children in Haiti through a televised plea for help, U.N. News Center reports.
Kim, who started figure skating at age five, currently leads the International Skating Union rankings. She is also the first female skater to pass the 200-point mark under the ISU system.
