Office of the President Republic of China(Taiwan)

This year marks the first time for the World Children's Baseball Fair (WCBF) to be held in Taiwan. President Ma Ying-jeou made a special trip on the morning of July 29 to Chengcing Lake Baseball Stadium in Kaohsiung to attend the opening ceremonies of the event. WCBF Chairman Sadaharu Oh (王貞治) and Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) were also on hand for the opening ceremonies.

On behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, President Ma extended a warm welcome to the players from all the teams taking part, noting that while this marks the 21st year that the WCBF has been held, it is the first time ever that the event has been held in an Asian nation outside of Japan. The president added that holding the event this year here is all the more significant since this year is the ROC's centenary.

President Ma stated that this year has been an especially good one for Taiwan's baseball teams. A team from Chinese Taipei won the championship earlier this month at the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, while a team from Hsin-Ming Junior High School in Taoyuan County qualified to represent the Asia-Pacific region in the Junior League World Series, he noted. Meanwhile, a team from Kaohsiung City's Ching-Tang Elementary School won the Asia-Pacific Regional Championship of Little League Baseball and will take part in the Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Also, Kuei-Shan Elementary School from Taoyuan County won the Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament of the Bronco World Series, he said. Lastly, the Chinese Taipei team just two weeks ago for the first time won the inaugural International Baseball Federation 12U Baseball World Championship. All of these successes point to the vibrant development of baseball here and the emphasis that the nation places on the sport, the president said.

President Ma wished all the participants a successful tournament and urged the athletes to make friends during the competition so that baseball for youth can take on a whole new meaning.

During the opening ceremonies, the master of ceremonies also read a note of congratulations from United States President Barack Obama in which he expressed his hopes that all of the athletes would perform to their potential and enjoy the beauty of the game. President Obama also urged the youngsters to take advantage of the opportunity to familiarize themselves with other cultures and gain useful experience from playing in the event.