The Vice President of the Republic of China, Hsiao Mei-chin, attended the opening ceremony of the “2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City” on the evening of May 17. This year, a total of 107 countries’ athletes have arrived in Taiwan, and she welcomed athletes from around the world to participate in this event, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Taiwan.
Upon her arrival, Vice President Hsiao Mei-chin first watched a performance titled “Gathering on the Island” by ABAO, the songstress of indigenous music, the Nawiwa Tribe, and acrobats.
Following that, Hsiao Mei-chin, along with Taipei Mayor Jang Wan-an, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi, and International Masters Games Association (IMGA) President Sergii Bubka, welcomed all athletes and sports enthusiasts to the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City. They together witnessed the hoisting of the IMGA and current games’ flags and the athlete oath-taking ceremony.
In his speech, Taipei Mayor Jang Wan-an, on behalf of all Taipei residents, welcomed everyone to participate in the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City, stating “Let’s challenge the world together.” He expressed gratitude to the International Masters Games Association for providing Taipei and New Taipei City with the opportunity to host athletes and team officials from over 107 countries, promoting unity and joy beyond racial, cultural, and linguistic barriers.
Jang Wan-an stated that the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei and New Taipei City is the first of its kind in Asia, with the number of participants breaking records of previous international multi-sport events. This showcases the strong capability of Taipei City in hosting large-scale international sports events, demonstrating the confidence, enthusiasm, and vitality of the host city, Taipei.
He highlighted that Taipei City possesses rich urban tourism resources, convenient transportation networks, a blend of traditional and modern elements, coexistence of urban and natural landscapes, and a diversity that leads globally. Over the next two weeks, Taipei City invites all visitors to experience the games, cherish the culture, enjoy the cuisine, and appreciate the unique charm of the city.
Jang Wan-an emphasized that sports are a gift to oneself, providing middle-aged friends with outstanding endurance. Stepping onto the field requires courage, inviting everyone to showcase their talents on the sports field, embodying the spirit of the games – “unlimited sports, infinite life,” and experiencing the charm of Taipei, the “city of sports.”
The opening of this year’s World Masters Games adopted the theme “We share the same Sky.” After the completion of the athlete oath by Taipei’s representative Chou Szu-chi, New Taipei’s representative Lin Shuo, and Para representative Chang Wei-chieh, five torchbearers from different sectors, including Olympic boxing gold medalist Lin Yu-ting, Taiwanese baseball legend Peng Cheng-min, the oldest Guinness World Record badminton player Lin Yu-mao, actress Sylvia Chang, and NVIDIA founder Huang Jen-hsun, ignited the torch together, symbolizing the official start of the games.
The “World Masters Games” is an international sports event that promotes “lifelong sports” and “sports for all.” This year’s games will be held in Taiwan from today until May 30, covering 35 different sports, attracting numerous domestic and international athletes to participate.