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4 September: what is celebrated today
4 September is no ordinary date. In different corners of the planet, this day brings together commemorations ranging from sport to health and awareness of little-known illnesses. From the energy and discipline of Taekwondo, through reflection on sexual health and the visibility of PFAPA syndrome, each commemoration seeks to inform, raise awareness and bring people together around issues that affect us all in some way.
International Taekwondo Day: more than a sport, a philosophy of life
International Taekwondo Day has been celebrated every 4 September since 2006, thanks to the initiative of the World Taekwondo Federation (World Taekwondo). The date recalls the historic moment when the International Olympic Committee, at its Paris session in 1994, decided to include taekwondo as an official Olympic sport.
With more than two centuries of history, this martial art born in Korea shares roots with other Asian disciplines such as kung fu and karate. Its essence is not limited to spectacular leg and arm movements, but promotes moral values inspired by Taoism and Confucianism: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and an indomitable spirit.
Since its debut at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games as a demonstration sport, taekwondo has proved to be much more than physical practice: it is a path towards mental balance and inner strength.
World Sexual Health Day: breaking down myths and taboos
Also every 4 September, since 2010, the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) has promoted World Sexual Health Day. Its purpose is clear: to educate, raise awareness and promote rights so that sexuality is lived with information, respect, responsibility and without prejudice.
Sexual health is not limited to preventing disease; it involves physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, as well as access to quality information and services. Sexual rights, recognised as human rights, seek to ensure that each person can live their sexuality free from violence, discrimination and coercion, with access to comprehensive education and a safe, pleasurable sexual life.
World PFAPA Syndrome Day: making the invisible visible
The same day marks World PFAPA Syndrome Day, an autoinflammatory disease identified in 1987 by physician Marshall. This condition mainly affects children aged between 1 and 10 and is characterised by episodes of very high recurring fever, accompanied by symptoms such as pharyngotonsillitis, oral ulcers and adenopathies.
Although its prognosis is benign, the lack of information and early diagnosis often generates great anguish in families. This date therefore seeks to raise social awareness, train health professionals and promote suitable protocols for rapid, effective treatment.