Issue date: October 25, 2024
Issuing date: International and Cross-strait Sports Division
Unit contact person: Patrick Chang
Tel.: 02-8771-1974
E-mail:patrick@mail.sa.gov.tw
Media contact person: Section Chief Lin Hsiu-ching
Tel.: 02-8771-1932
E-mail:0162@mail.sa.gov.tw
The two-day Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) has successfully concluded on October 24th. To express gratitude, the Sports Administration (SA) of the Ministry of Education hosted a special banquet for the APC President, Vice President, Executive Committee members from various countries and staff. Deputy Minister of Education Chang Liao Wan-Chien and SA Director-General Cheng Shih-Chung welcomed these distinguished international guests and exchanged opinions during the dinner.
In his speech before the banquet, Deputy Minister Chang Liao Wan-Chien congratulated the APC on the successful conclusion of the two-day EC meeting and remarked, "I believe that the outcomes of this meeting will serve as a significant boost to the promotion of the Asian Para Movement. The Taiwanese government has increasingly prioritized sports equality for individuals with disabilities in recent years, particularly following President Lai Ching-te’s inaugural speech, in which he called for the establishment of the Ministry of Sports. Currently, the draft organizational law has been reviewed and approved by the Executive Yuan and will soon be submitted to the Legislative Yuan for review. This draft includes the establishment of an “Department of Adapted Sports” to elevate the development of sports for people with disabilities. I believe this will greatly enhance efforts to promote disability sports in Taiwan, and I look forward to deepened exchanges with the APC in the future."
APC President Majid Rashed expressed his gratitude during his speech, stating, "Hosting this meeting in Taiwan allowed us to fully experience Taiwan’s warm hospitality. It is evident that the government places great importance on and has a strong commitment to the Para Movement. I am also pleased to see Taiwan plans to establish the Ministry of Sports, with the “Department of Adapted Sports. This systematic support for Para athletes will have a significant impact. We hope for the smooth and sound development of Taiwan’s Para sports and look forward to strengthening cooperation between Taiwan and all APC members."
In his welcoming speech at the opening of the APC Executive Committee meeting on the 23rd, SA Director-General Cheng Shih-chung remarked, "Taiwan has long been dedicated to the development of the Para Movement. Under the active promotion of the concept of equal rights in sports by former President Tsai Ing-wen, efforts have been made to advance this movement within communities and schools. President Lai Ching-te envisions creating an environment that integrates social welfare and industry, and he is committed to establishing the Ministry of Sports, which will include the Department of Adapted Sports to specifically address the needs of individuals with disabilities. This department will improve the systematic development of sports for people with disabilities in Taiwan. Under the leadership of this dedicated department, Taiwan’s Para Sports will not only align with international trends but also advance towards a more competitive and professional path, further promoting the nationalization, community integration, and industrialization of Para Sports.”
Director-General Cheng emphasized that, as a dedicated member of the APC family, the Taiwanese government will continue to support the hosting of key APC meetings and events. He also expressed Taiwan's willingness to share its experiences with other countries, assisting APC in promoting sports diplomacy across Asia. Taiwan aims to actively deepen exchanges with members to achieve mutual benefits and shared prosperity.