The courage, resilience and tenacity demonstrated by the nation’s athletes at the recently concluded Summer Youth Olympic Games in Bueno Aires reflect the true spirit of Taiwan, according to Vice President Chen Chien-jen Oct. 22.
Such a strong showing at the third edition of the quadrennial tourney spotlights the confidence and vitality of Taiwan youth in the international sporting arena, Chen said. The government and people are immensely proud of the athletes, he added.
Chen made the remarks while receiving members of the team and support staff at the Office of the President in Taipei City. Taiwan athletes won six medals at the Oct. 6-12 games in the Argentinian capital involving around 4,000 competitors contesting 32 sports and 36 disciplines.
According to Chen, the result is in keeping with those turned in by the national squads at the Asian Games and Asian Para Games in Indonesia. The entire country got behind the athletes and is looking forward to barracking for them again at the next Summer Games, he said.
Chen said Liu Li-ling, who won gold in the judo mixed team event, was particularly impressive, adding that her bravery and refusal to accept defeat in the final are an inspiration to the younger generations.
Other medalists earning the vice president’s praise are Chen Yi-tung, silver, fencing mixed continental team; Huang Yin-hsuan, silver, badminton relay team; Lee Meng-en, silver, judo men’s 73 kilograms; Lai Tzu-hsuan, bronze, women’s kayak obstacle slalom; and Lin Yun-ju and Su Pei-ling, bronze, mixed international team.
Not to be overshadowed, Chen said, are the athletes recording personal bests and demonstrating real sportsmanship in the process. One does not need stand on the dais to represent Taiwan with distinction and honor, he added. (SFC-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw