Taipei, Nov. 7 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian said Friday that his just-concluded visit to the United States and Panama was aimed at letting the world know more about Taiwan's achievements in human rights and democracy.
The president made the remarks when he received Hanse Lin Po-heng, a 23-year-old car racer from Taichung who finished second in the 2003 Formula BMW Asian Series.
Chen said that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have dreams and hope, adding that the source of progress is the pursuit of dreams and overcoming difficulty rather than coming to terms with reality and resigning oneself to fate.
He said that Lin's racing achievement -- he is the first competitor from Taiwan to excel in an international car race -- has ignited the passion of race fans in Taiwan.
Chen expressed hope that car racing can become a popular, safe and healthy sport in Taiwan, adding that although the facilities in Taiwan are not ideal, there are plans to construct a Formula 3 race track.
In addition, the Tourism Bureau will sponsor Lin's racing in the hope of boosting the profile of Taiwan through the sport.
He also spoke about his passion for baseball, saying that when he woke up from a brief sleep on his flight from Alaska Wednesday, his first question to the stewardess was how the Chinese Taipei baseball team had fared in Sapporo, where it was fighting for a berth in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
He said that whether it is in diplomatic work, playing baseball or fighting for the dignity of the country, Taiwan's stage is the world and he urged everyone to believe in himself, and like Lin, they will succeed.
The president also noted that on the side of Lin's racing car are the words "Taiwan, touch your heart" and urged him to continue to work hard and follow his dreams.