Deputy Minister Chen Yi-hsin of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP) attended a press conference today (November 18) for the 32^nd Taiwan Indigenous Baseball Development Association Care Cup Invitational. Organized by the Taiwan Indigenous Baseball Development Association, the Care Cup is officially marking its 32^nd year. This year’s tournament brings together 62 teams and adopts the Bunun-language theme “Kulumaha” meaning “Come Home”—calling on indigenous baseball enthusiasts to return to their hometowns. The tournament will take place in Hualien County from November 28 to December 1, celebrating baseball while rallying support for young indigenous players.

Across Taiwan’s baseball scene—both professional and amateur—indigenous athletes continue to impress and achieve outstanding results. The Care Cup Invitational not only provides a platform for young indigenous players to showcase their talent and build friendships through baseball, but also invites indigenous baseball stars to return to their communities to pass on skills and experience, and plant dreams in the hearts of young players as they grow along their baseball journeys.

Deputy Minister Chen noted that the CIP has long promoted indigenous sports competitions nationwide to inspire athletic potential, foster a strong sporting culture, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of indigenous peoples. The CIP offers the Indigenous Potential Elite Athlete Development Program for indigenous athletes with outstanding potential, which builds foundations in schools, and the Indigenous Elite Athlete Advancement Program, which supports athletes in entering international competitions. This year alone, approximately NTD 200 million has been invested to cultivate grassroots and competitive sports talent.

Deputy Minister Chen further emphasized that behind every successful athlete lies a long and challenging training journey. Indigenous athletes face such difficulties with resilience and courage, continually achieving excellence in the sporting arena. The CIP will remain a steadfast supporter of indigenous athletes, ensuring that every competitor can give their all on the field, push themselves to their limits, and demonstrate the remarkable athletic strength and spirit of indigenous peoples to the nation.