President Tsai meets International University Sports Federation President Oleg Matytsin
Meeting on the afternoon of May 9 with Mr. Oleg Matytsin, President of the International University Sports Federation (Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire, FISU), President Tsai Ing-wen thanked FISU for its support and assistance. President Tsai also stated that Taiwan has been well-prepared for welcoming competitors and sports fans from around the world.
In remarks, President Tsai noted that a long period of preparations has ensued since Taipei City won the right in late 2011 to host the 2017 Summer Universiade, and now this important sporting event is set to commence in August. She thanked FISU for the many valuable suggestions and steadfast support it has lent during this time, and praised everyone in Taiwan who worked so long and hard on the preparations.
President Tsai pointed out that this year's Universiade will be one of the biggest and highest-level international sporting events that Taiwan has ever hosted, and she feels very honored to have the opportunity, as host of this event, to invite young athletes, coaches, and tourists to Taiwan from more than 140 different countries. The Taipei City Government has taken the lead in preparing for the Universiade, while central government agencies and other local authorities have all cooperated in every way possible.
President Tsai mentioned that there are Universiade competition venues at numerous locations that have been built to international specifications in Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, and Hsinchu County. In addition, a brand new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line was just opened this past March that provides convenient connections between Taoyuan International Airport, the athletes' village in Linkou District in New Taipei City, and downtown Taipei. The government has been well-prepared for welcoming, with open arms, sports fans from around the world, and also looks forward to seeing everyone enjoy games here as well as Taiwan's wonderful food and scenery.
The president stressed that Taiwan has the ability to integrate the full range of its resources to hold the highest-level international sport events, and this is our way of engaging with the world and taking part in international affairs. She also mentioned that holding the Universiade is significant in that it will spur increased public interest and participation in sports and other physical activities.
And finally, the president expressed hope that seeing Taiwanese competitors square off against top athletes from around the world will make sports more popular in Taiwan and spur further development of industries related to sports and leisure. "You can be certain that we will mobilize people throughout Taiwan to ensure a successful Universiade that the world will remember fondly for years to come."