Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

President Ma Ying-jeou met on the afternoon of July 8 with the Chinese Taipei team that took part in the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens. The president praised the athletes for overcoming challenges and winning distinction for the nation.

The president noted that on June 16 he met with the team before their departure to hand them the team flag and wish them success at the games. Amidst fierce competition, the team from Taiwan won 32 gold medals, 27 silvers, and 15 bronzes , a performance that he praised as outstanding.

President Ma said he is extremely pleased at the excellent results of the ROC athletes, and affirmed that the willingness of mentally and physically disabled persons to participate in sports demonstrates the confidence they have in themselves and in society. This year's Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in Athens, Greece. The trip there was exhausting, but the athletes from the ROC won many competitions and made a lot of friends from around the world. He urged the athletes to continue training so as to win further distinction for themselves and the nation.

President Ma stated that a country becomes powerful by having a public of strong mind and body, which is why, since taking office in May 2008, he has specially sought higher physical fitness standards for the nation's military. Pointing to swimming as an example, the president noted that 66% of soldiers now pass the swimming test, up from 47%. He added that a nation can only be as healthy as its citizens, and expressed his hope that the public will participate in their favorite sports, thereby jointly creating a healthier society.

The delegation was led to the Presidential Office by team leader Bai Hsiu-hsiung (白秀雄) and Sports Affairs Council Minister Tai Hsia-ling (戴遐齡) to meet President Ma.