President Chen Shui-bian attended the opening ceremony of the 2006 National College Games on April 7, encouraging the student athletes and speaking about Taiwan's sports development.
In his opening remarks to the athletes, the president said that their performance in this year's National College Games would serve as a reference to qualify Taiwanese athletes for the 15th Asian Games in Doha.
The president also said that the athlete's performance at this year's National College Games would set the tone for the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung as well as Taiwan's bid to host the 2011 World University Games. "Construction for the 2009 World Games will begin this June and is scheduled to be completed in January 2009. My administration and I will do our best to assist with the preparatory work," said the president.
In addition, the president announced that Taiwan predicts to win at least seven gold medals during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
"Your spirit today is inspiring," the president told the young athletes. "On behalf of our fellow countrymen, I am here to cheer all of you on and wish for a successful event."