Chairman Killian of the International University Sports Federation, Chairwoman Lin of the Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation, Mayor Hsu, and All the Players and Coaches: Good Afternoon!
On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to welcome all the international teams who came from afar to participate in the 2004 World University Baseball Championship. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate Mayor Hsu of Tainan City for doing an excellent job in obtaining the privilege to host this years'game. This presents a wonderful opportunity for Taiwan to step up to the world stage, as well as highlighting the importance of fostering diplomacy through exchanges among cities.
A few days ago, Taiwan's famed baseball legend, Coach Lin Hua-wei and also professor of National College of Physical Education and Sports, was invited to deliver a speech in the Office of the President. The topic of his speech was on baseball and its impact on our society. Coach Lin has very accurately pointed out that baseball—along with late night TV broadcast, instant noodles, and the sound of firecrackers—has become the collective memory for those over forty years of age in Taiwan.
In Taiwan, baseball is the "national sport" as well as an integral part of our daily life. Its allure lies in its power to unite the spirits of tens and thousands of baseball fans. That explains the sentiment of concern and worry shared by thousands of fans and myself when we heard the news of the recent shoulder injury of Tsao Jin-huei—a Taiwanese player in the US Major League (MLB), for it might affect his chance to play in the Olympic Games. Another good example is when Chen Jin-feng, the first Taiwanese to play for the US Major League (MLB), waited in frustration for his chance to produce his first career base hit, all of us were praying anxiously for his success. This exemplifies the magic attraction of baseball that brings us together, united and unwavering.
Tsao Jin-huei is an outstanding member of our indigenous population, and Chen Jing-feng, who is our "secret weapon" from my hometown Tainan. Both of them will join some twenty other amateurs and professional baseball players to participate in the Olympic Games in Athens next month. This is our dream team and the hope of Taiwan's baseball. Let us join together to cheer them on until the final victory comes!
Since I designated Year 2001 as "The Year of Baseball", we have seen many extraordinary performances. This year, the city of Tainan, the host of "The 2004 World University Baseball Championship", has devoted much resources and efforts to renovate the sports park and add new features, including a colossal high-tech LED screen for live broadcast, a new "baseball boulevard" and the "heart of sport", all to demonstrate our readiness for hosting this important event. The outstanding preparation for this Championship sets a new standard for baseball sport in Taiwan; it is also an honor that is shared by all the people of Tainan. This year's Championship is off to an excellent start and we hope that such good luck will be extended to our Olympic teams as they march towards Athens.
Let me take this opportunity to extend my support for our team. Each one of you is a baseball rising star and I am confident that you will fulfill the expectations of our people and perform with all your might for the glory of our country.
In closing, let me extend my best wishes to all of you: lots of Home Runs and Grand Slams! Thank you.