On November 13, President Chen Shui-bian met with Paul DePace, President of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS), and thanked him for facilitating Taiwan to win the host of the 2007 IWAS World Games.
President Chen indicated that the precursor of the IWAS was the International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation (ISMWSF), and Taiwan has been participating in the games since 1993. Last year the first IWAS World Games took place in Brazil, and Taiwan's team achieved outstanding results in the competition with 11 gold, 15 silver, and 7 bronze medals.
President Chen stated that his administration has spared no effort in caring for the underprivileged and in promoting sports, among other basic human rights, for the handicapped. Taiwan will host the 2007 IWAS World Games, the 2009 World Games in Kaoshiong City and the 2009 Deaflympic Games in Taipei City. This represents the international recognition of Taiwan's endeavors in protecting the basic human rights for the handicapped, he added.
In response, Paul DePace said that Taiwan's athletes have performed remarkably in previous games, and that the 2007 IWAS World Games will be a success as Taiwan has been a years-long supporter for the games of the handicapped and is experienced in sponsoring such international events.