President Chen Shui-bian received this morning winners of the "Eighth Great Love Award for Extraordinary Handicapped Elders," presented prize money and delivered a speech during the ceremony.
The president's remarks:
I am very pleased to meet with the winners and families of the "Great Love Award" this year. While the importance of family being ignored more and more by the people today, it is of particular significance that the Mercy Love Organization established such awards for the eighth year. This award recognizes contributions to the society by handicapped elder people and acts as an encouragement for younger disabled people to follow suit. Founding of the award also has an uplifting effect to the society. I want to extend my gratitude to the organization for your longtime contribution to the handicapped, and want to thank our most respected founding chairwoman, Mrs. Kuo-Yang Dai-chen, for her willingness to take part in the activities of meeting with me. I offer my special thanks to Director-General Tony Lee. It is because of your excellent leadership that activities of your organization are gaining success. Most importantly, I express my greatest respect and congratulations to each and every award winner here.
Some people said "God makes life difficult, but he give us courage to overcome." I hope that my disabled friends to overcome the inconveniences imposed on them with this courage and face whatever challenges that come to them with a positive mind. And I expect that handicapped elders continue bringing their love, patience and passion into our society and help disabled youngsters to live out.
There is a story that touches the heart behind every winner of the "Great Love Award." In every story there are love and affection of families and the perseverance that never gives up. I expect everyone here to convey the message of "respecting and cherishing life" to our general public. We can always overcome difficulty no matter how hard it is as long as we think positively.
In closing, I want to thank once again the Mercy Love Organization, because you have fought tirelessly for the welfare of our disabled friends for a long time. I wish every handicapped elder health, happiness, and the best of everything, and the operation of the organization a great success.