Taiwan Today

The 21st Summer Deaflympics Taipei 2009 wrapped up on the evening of Sept. 15 with a spectacular closing ceremony at Taipei Municipal Stadium featuring a splendid fireworks display and a large-scale banquet complete with local Taiwanese delicacies. Taiwan finished the 11-day event with 11 golds, 11 silvers and 11 bronzes to place fifth in the overall medal standings. International Committee of Sports for the Deaf President Donalda Ammons lauded the Taipei games as the “best ever” in the Deaflympics’ 85-year history. Praising Taipei City’s efficiency and organizational skills, Ammons said future Deaflympics host nations will have a difficult time topping this year’s event. Ammons said that she has discovered a shining star—Chinese Taipei, or the Republic of China. The whole world has witnessed its abilities and talent through these games. The mainland Chinese Deaflympics delegation, which did not attend the opening ceremony for the games, took part in the closing festivities. Jia Yong, head of the delegation, led more than 80 athletes and staff in joining the celebration. The group did not carry the Chinese national flag upon entering the stadium and instead held up a banner reading “Go, Taiwan compatriots in disaster areas!” Their entry was greeted with loud cheers from the spectators. Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin, who is also chairman of the Taipei Deaflympics Organizing Committee, said that an unprecedented 51 world records and 94 Deaflympics records were broken during this year’s event. Hau said that the experience has given him an understanding of the “quiet strength” of challenged athletes taking part in the games. He expressed his gratitude to all the volunteers and for the all the hard work of Taipei citizens in making the games a success, calling them “anonymous heroes.” The closing ceremony featured a unique twist, namely a mass banquet held at the venue for the more than 3,000 participating athletes. They were able to get a taste of Taiwan’s culture and passion, feasting on tasty local cuisine while marveling at the lively performances, including a dragon dance and a Taiwanese opera performance by the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group. The athletes also actively took part in the festive spirit by dancing along and engaging in some merrymaking. Hong Kong singer Aaron Kwok, a spokesperson for the games, was one of the performers on hand, singing the theme song for the closing ceremony. Also at the ceremony, Hungarian athlete Gabor Mathe, who won a bronze in the men’s singles tennis competition, received the Widex Fair Play Award as well as US$5,000 in prize money. The award is presented to the Deaflympics participant who best exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play during the games. (SB)