Taiwan, Sept. 12 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian's wife, Wu Shu-chen, headed for Greece Sunday at the head of the Taiwan delegation to the Paralympic Games in what the media has called the nation's latest "sports diplomacy."
But the wheelchair-bound first lady said the major reason behind her decision to make the long journey to the Greek capital of Athens is her desire to inspire local people to pay more heed and offer more support to Taiwan athletes to the Paralympics -- the Olympics-style sports event for athletes with disabilities.
The Taiwan delegation is composed of 25 physically-challenged athletes and 11 coaches, physicians and therapists.
On hand to see Wu and delegation members off were President Chen Shui-bian, Vice President Annette Lu, Presidential Office Secretary-General Su Tsen-chang, National Security Council Secretary-General Chiou I-jen, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tan Sun Chen, ruling Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung and Chinese Taipei Olympic Games Chairman Huang Ta-chou.
Wu said in her speech delivered at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport prior to her departure that so many officials have braved heavy rains to see the delegation off mainly because they want to express their support and encouragement to local Paralympic athletes.
While encouraging the physically-challenged players to strive for excellence in the games as they work to overcome their physical restrictions, Wu also expressed her hope that every athlete would show sportsmanship in the course of the competition. "Taking part in the games is not just about striving to perform well, but also about learning during the course of the contest itself," Wu said.