Deputy Minister Chen Yi-Hsin of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 New Taipei City Wulai District Games today (May 25). Deputy Minister Chen emphasized in his remarks that the district games are not only a stage for athletic competition, but also a symbol of the sporting spirit and honor of local indigenous communities. He encouraged all athletes to embody the spirit of challenging their limits and persevering in the face of adversity.

Deputy Minister Chen noted that indigenous athletes have long demonstrated outstanding performance in track and field, weightlifting, archery, and judo. Their remarkable achievements in international competitions such as the Olympic Games and Asian Games have made them an important pillar of Taiwan’s competitive sports development. In response to the evolving needs of competitive sports development, the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) integrated resources as of 2025 to implement the Indigenous Elite Athlete Advancement Program and the Indigenous Potential Elite Athlete Development Program, establishing a comprehensive support system with interconnected pathways for athletic development. Deputy Minister Chen further stated that providing stable resources and a supportive environment for sports development is a core value of the CIP’s sports policy.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister Chen emphasized that the Wulai District Games is an important event for the development of indigenous sports in New Taipei City, helping athletes strengthen their capabilities for national competitions. The passion and determination displayed by the athletes on the field are among the most valuable assets of the nation. The ceremony opened in a vibrant and enthusiastic atmosphere, with best wishes for the complete success of this year’s Wulai District Games.