On December 8th, President Chen Shui-bian met with George Killian, President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), and members of his visiting group, expressing wholehearted welcome and thanks to the delegation.
In the reception, President Chen mentioned to his guests that Taiwan's team has performed remarkably in the 15st Asian Games Doha 2006, winning 4 gold, 2 silver, and 9 copper medals and temporally ranking 8th among all contesting countries. President Chen said that Taiwan is also well prepared for hosting the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung.
Kaohsiung used to be an industrial city, but after years of efforts, its air and surroundings have become clean and the scenery along the dredged Love River is more beautiful now, the President said. All these make it a great venue for holding activities. As for transportation, the Kaohsiung Rapid Transit will be completed soon, and the Taiwan High Speed Rail is scheduled to start operation by the end of 2006, which will connect Kaohsiung and Taipei with a mere 90-minute ride.
In this light, President Chen expressed his full confidence in hosting the 2009 World Games, saying that Taiwan, a democratic model in Asia, plus its prosperous economy and sound infrastructure, will ensure the success of the event. With regard to Kaohsiung's bid to host the 26th Summer Universiade in 2011, President Chen stressed that Taiwan is absolutely qualified for hosting the competition.
In response, George Killian congratulated President Chen on the remarkable results Taiwan's athletes have achieved in the 15th Asian Games. He said that he was very impressed with Taiwan's outstanding performances and its enthusiasm in seeking to host the World Games. He assured the President that the FISU will choose the host of the 26th Summer Universiade in 2011 based on the principles of fairness and openness.