On May 18th, the 14th annual meeting of the Northern California Taiwan Culture and Sports Association was held at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center.
Guests present at the annual meeting included Deputy Director Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Director Zhuang Yashu of the Golden Gate Area Cultural and Educational Center, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioner Li Hanwen, Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Commissioner Zhou Xinjie, President Zhang Zhiyang of the Taiwan Cultural and Sports Association, President Ye Yunhe of the San Francisco Bay Area Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, Director Wu Jianxian of the Northern California Taiwan Hall, former Mayor of Cupertino Huang Shaoxiong, Chairman Chen Yangming of Qiyang International Enterprise Co., Ltd., Vice President Li Naya of the Northern California Chinese School Association, and President Li Pingping of the Emergency Relief Association, among others.
Zhu Yongchang mentioned in an interview that the Taiwan Cultural and Sports Association not only showcases the diverse culture of Taiwan but also promotes cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the United States, bringing joy and fresh experiences to the local community. The interaction between many younger generations and their children at the event was considered a valuable opportunity for exchange.
Zhuang Yashu stated in her address that the Cultural and Sports Association is a significant organization in the Golden Gate Area, hosting the International Children’s Festival and bilingual speech competitions annually. Through the efforts of volunteer friends, there has been an increased recognition and sense of identity towards traditional Taiwanese culture, which will also facilitate interactions between Taiwan and mainstream communities and ethnic friends in the Bay Area.
Zhuang Yashu congratulated Zhang Zhiyang on his re-election as the President of the Cultural and Sports Association and, along with Zhu Yongchang, presented a commendation to Zhang Zhiyang on behalf of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioner.
In his speech, Zhang Zhiyang mentioned that the International Children’s Festival will be held on August 24th. This year’s festival has two highlights compared to previous years. Firstly, the Taiwan Glass Museum has been specially invited to set up a booth in the United States, offering glass-blowing demonstrations for parents and children to enjoy together. Secondly, a Taiwanese drone team has been invited to host a drone soccer league.
Zhang Zhiyang concluded by expressing his immense gratitude to the volunteers of the association, praising their patriotism and dedication, which he found inspiring and admirable. He emphasized that the fate of Taiwan is in the hands of every Taiwanese individual and encouraged them to think about what they can do for their country rather than what the country can do for them.
Over a hundred people attended the annual meeting, where apart from captivating drone performances, several children participated in an exhilarating drone competition on stage.
Li Hanwen mentioned in an interview that the Taiwan Cultural and Sports Association has been in existence for over a decade, with each president tirelessly expanding its activities. She extended her best wishes for a successful International Children’s Festival on August 24th, hoping to attract more international children to participate.