The nation’s top athletes are to lead the annual parade for Double Tenth National Day celebrations Oct. 10 in Taipei City in recognition of their outstanding performance at this summer’s Asian Games.
More than 50 medal winners—including gymnast Chen Chih-yu, badminton player Chou Tien-chen and taekwondo athlete Su Po-ya—and their coaches will head the procession riding in military jeeps, according to Taipei-based General Association of Chinese Culture.
The parade is an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation and support for the country’s sporting heroes and to bolster their determination as they prepare for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the association said.
Following a 3-kilometer route centered on the historic Presidential Office Building in Taipei, the 24 floats arranged by central and local governments, businesses and temples will highlight themes like Hakka and indigenous cultures, Taoist deities and Taiwan’s natural landscapes.
The parade is one of the key events in a program of activities to mark Double Tenth National Day taking place countrywide. Other highlights from the celebrations, themed Taiwan, Together this year, include President Tsai Ing-wen’s National Day Address in Taipei, dance and magic performances in the southern city of Kaohsiung and a fireworks show in the eastern county of Hualien.
Equally impressive is the GACC-organized evening projection show illuminating the facade of the Presidential Office Building with images of the country’s natural scenery, unique wildlife species and clips of its sporting victories at the 2018 Asian Games.
The country’s athletes claimed a 20-year record of 17 golds, 19 silvers and 31 bronzes at the games, which were held Aug. 18 through Sept. 2 in Indonesia.
GACC, founded in 1967 and headed by Tsai, works to deepen understanding of local traditions, foster international exchanges and facilitate the development of Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries. (CPY-E)
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