Sports Administration Supports Hualien in Hosting First International Sporting Event After Earthquake – ICG Coming in 2026
Sports Administration Supports Hualien in Hosting First International Sporting Event After Earthquake – ICG Coming in 2026
Source: Liberty Times
With the support of the Sports Administration, the IOC-recognized International Children's Games (ICG) delegation visited Hualien to inspect competition venues and today signed the Host City Agreement, as well as unveiled the 2026 ICG Organizing Committee's Hualien Office.
ICG President Igor Topole said that the committee had visited Hualien last year, but unfortunately, one week later, the county was struck by a strong earthquake. Despite this, Hualien demonstrated great resilience and formally applied to host the 2026 Games later that year. "I am confident that Hualien can successfully organize the event," he said.
The Sports Administration and Hualien County Government are now in the preparation phase for the 2026 International Children’s Games. Yesterday, ICG President Igor Topole, Vice President Chulwon Shin, and Secretary General Hugh Waters, accompanied by Chinese Taipei High School Sports Federation Secretary General Chu Tsai-Feng, visited various venues in Hualien, including Dexing Baseball Stadium (archery), Ziqiang Junior High School (taekwondo), and Zhongzheng Gymnasium (table tennis). This morning, under the witness of Sports Administration representatives and Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary General Tseng Wen-Hung, the signing ceremony and office unveiling were held at the Ji'an Leisure Sports Park.
Hsu Hsiu-Ling, Head of the Sports Administration’s International and Cross-Strait Sports Division, said that with its high-quality sports facilities, rich natural and cultural resources, and long-term commitment to youth sports development, Hualien has gained the trust of the ICG Executive Committee and secured the hosting rights for the 2026 Games. This will be Taiwan's third time hosting the event, following Taipei in 2002 and New Taipei City in 2016.
She emphasized that the ICG is an IOC-recognized organization and a major gathering for youth athletes worldwide. Hosting such an important event has positive significance for Taiwan's international participation and sports development. Next year's Games will welcome over 1,500 athletes from more than 70 cities across 30 countries to Hualien, where they will compete, exchange experiences, and experience Taiwan's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Hsu also noted that the new Ministry of Sports will officially be established in September this year. The ministry aims to strengthen Taiwan through sports, create a society with sports equality, and promote the universalization, industrialization, and internationalization of sports. Hosting international events with Taiwan's unique character will help cultivate professional sports event management talent and enhance sports diplomacy.
At today's ceremony, the Hualien County Government also unveiled the official visual identity and slogan for the Games: "Shining Hualien." Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei said that local young athletes have actively participated in ICG events in recent years. Following last year's earthquake, the county sought opportunities both for tourism and for the youth of Hualien. She expressed gratitude to the Sports Administration for its assistance and pledged that the county will go all out to showcase its determination and capability to host an international sporting event.
相關圖片
The International Children's Games (ICG) Executive Committee, including President Mr. Igor Topole and several members, visited Taiwan and today signed the host city agreement in Hualien. Photo: Reporter Hua Meng-Ching
Hualien County Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei (right) and International Children's Games (ICG) President Igor Topole (left) shook hands after signing the Host City Agreement today, expressing hopes for the success of the Games next year.
The International Children's Games (ICG) Organizing Committee Office held its unveiling ceremony today in Hualien. Photo: Reporter Hua Meng-Ching
