The Taiwan Area Games, held yearly at this time, gathered top athletes from every part of Taiwan. Since this year is the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Republic, the games held special significance.
The Taoyuan County government, host of the anniversary games, budgeted large funds to ready and beautify athletic facilities.
The Games were officially opened by Taiwan Provincial Governor Lin Yang-gang. President Chiang, Premier Sun and other high-ranking officials addressed the crowds. They emphasized that in recognition of the importance of sports, the government has taken steps to encourage their growth. The result is a noticeable upsurge of interest in sports and in levels of competition.
For example, direct incentives for athletes was announced at last year's Games by both President Chiang and Premier Sun; athletes to break existing national records at the 1981 Games, they said would receive in addition to the highest sports medals, a monetary award of NT$200,000 (US$5,000). In the year since this announcement was made 21 records have been broken.
During his speech, President Chiang noted that this year's Games drew many athletes exhibiting liveliness, optimism, and a fine competitive spirit. These are assets to the country on the athletic field as well as off, he said.
Premier Sun told the competitors that the government is very encouraged by this year's achievements in sports.
Special exhibitions during the competition included a folk dance presented by the Taoyuan folkdancing club, whose members are all mothers; aboriginal dances performed by children; mass exercises by two thousand high school students; and circle formations by over three thousand people. The exhibitions added further color and excitement.
The competitive turnout this year was outstanding; a total of 8,822 athletes took part. Areas of competition included track-and-field, swimming, bicycle racing, ball sports, weight-lifting, callisthenics, Chinese boxing, archery, wrestling, and fencing. In addition, bowling was added to this year's events.
Overseas Chinese teams from countries and areas in southeast Asia joined the Games, adding additional spirit to the competitions.
In a Games postmortem, problems encountered were discussed. For example, the playing fields are far apart from one another--a transportation and time problem for the athletes. The number of events necessitated night competitions, negatively affecting performance ability. Overseas Chinese competitors hoped that invitations could be sent earlier in the future, facilitating their preparations. All suggestions will be discussed in detail, and solutions attempted, so that next year's Games may be even better, officials said.
At the conclusion of the Games, the official Taiwan Area Games' flag was handed to the Mayor of Tainan, next year's host. See you all next year in the sunny south of Tai wan!
Taiwan Games Tops This Year.
Taiwan Games Tops This Year.
During his speech, President Chiang noted that this year's Games drew many athletes exhibiting liveliness, optimism, and a fine competitive spirit. These are assets to the country on the athletic field as well as off, he said.
Taiwan Games Tops This Year.
Taiwan Games Tops This Year.
Taiwan Games Tops This Year.
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