Tsai meets FISU head, praises Universiade preparations

2017/05/11

President Tsai Ing-wen said May 9 that Taiwan is ready to successfully stage the upcoming Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade and will utilize the event to strengthen the bonds of friendship with participating nations while playing an expanded role in international affairs.
 
 Taiwan has the capability to bring hardware and software resources together in hosting international sporting events of the highest caliber, Tsai said. The government will ensure the country pulls together to make the Universiade a special one leaving a lasting impression on the global community, she added.
 
 The president made the remarks while receiving Oleg Matytsin, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), at the Office of the President in Taipei City.
 
 Matytsin is in country as head of a delegation comprising around 100 representatives from 50 countries taking part in the Universiade. Earlier the day, the members held a Heads of Delegation Meeting for updates on the progress of preparations by event host Taipei City Government. They later conducted an inspection visit of the athletes’ village in New Taipei City’s Linkou District, northern Taiwan.
 
 According to TCG, 98 percent of all competition sites have been completed and meet the highest international standards, while the official torch, mother flame lantern and torchbearer uniforms were also unveiled April 19 in Taipei.
 
 Since Taipei was selected in 2011 to host the Universiade, Tsai said the central and local governments have made all-out efforts in readiness for the largest global sporting event ever staged in Taiwan. It is hoped that the visitors will enjoy the games and take the opportunity to experience the array of local cuisines and stunning scenery during their stay.
 
 The president said she also expects the Universiade to encourage the public to try its hand at more sports and spur development of industries specializing in related leisure and recreation activities.
 
 Also known as the World University Games, the Universiade is a biennial international sporting and cultural festival staged in a different city worldwide. The 29th edition of the event involves 7,700-plus student athletes from nearly 150 countries contesting 21 sports at 38 competition venues in Taipei, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, New Taipei and Taoyuan City.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=18&post=115141)