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CIP Invites Austronesian Youths from 9 Countries to Compete in National Indigenous Games ’ Traditional Sports Tournament

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  • Online Date:2021/04/20
  • Modification Time:2021/04/20 11:48:46
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March 18, 2021—The flag ceremony for the 2021 Austronesian Traditional Sports Tournament took place this afternoon. Presided over by Mr. Icyang Parod, Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), the ceremony began with a chanting routine performed by 21 young athletes currently living in Taiwan hailing from nine countries (the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Tuvalu, Indonesia, Kiribati, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea). Mr. Icyang, who also serves as the chair of the Austronesian Forum Executive Council, presented the Austronesian team flag, which symbolizes the traditional spirit and vitality of Austronesian peoples, to Mr. Tommy Kambu Kunji, Representative of the Papua New Guinea Trade Office in Taiwan. The ceremony concluded with a blessing ritual performed by an Atayal elder from Wulai, New Taipei City to pray for good fortune during the games.

According to Mr. Icyang, this year’s games marks the first time in the Games’ 22 years of history that athletes from other Austronesian countries are competing. The 21 athletes from nine different countries formed the Austronesian Youth United team and will be eyeing the gold in three traditional sports tournaments, including archery, wood-sawing, and weight-carrying. Through participation in the Games, local and international athletes can familiarize themselves with each other’s customs and cultures, Mr. Icyang added.

Contact: Sayun Tosu (specialist)

Telephone: (02) 8995–3092