2026 International Children's Games to Be Held in Hualien - Mayor Hsu Invites Everyone to Join Next Year
Published: May 16, 2025
Source: KS News
By Liao Wei-Ling (Text & Photos)
Overcoming many difficulties, Hualien successfully won the bid to host the 2026 International Children's Games (ICG). On the morning of May 16, the county government held the "Host City Agreement Signing Ceremony and Organizing Committee Office Inauguration"at the Hualien Leisure Sports Park. Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei happily stated, "We did it!"She hopes the Games will help connect Hualien with the international community, allowing friends worldwide to see Taiwan and get to know Hualien, thus promoting tourism and economic development while raising Hualien's profile in the international sports arena and enhancing its city image.
The 58th edition of the ICG will take place in Hualien next year. The signing ceremony was opened with a powerful and graceful taekwondo demonstration by the Guofeng Junior High School team. Following that, Huang Yi-Hsuan, Creative Director of Fubo Creative Arts, unveiled the event's main visual design. She explained that the design centers on the spirit and colors of the ICG, with the Games' purpose being to create a place of wonderful memories. It incorporates Hualien's ancient name "Huilan," extending to the theme "Land of Huilan, Heart of Sports."
In front of witnesses, Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei and ICG President Igor Topole signed the Host City Agreement and exchanged commemorative signing pens. Mayor Hsu expressed gratitude for all the support and joyfully exclaimed, "We did it!"
"Shining Hualien!" said Mayor Hsu. She added that the county government has actively communicated with ICG Vice President Chulwon Shin and hoped to secure the Games before bidding registration closed. Their efforts paid off, and they are thankful to Vice President Shin, the ICG, and all supporters for giving the youth the chance to engage in this global meeting. She said the ICG is not just about competition but also friendship, cultural and artistic exchange, and building global friendships.
Although Hualien experienced the big earthquake on April 3, its resilience is clear to all. The county government hopes the Games will introduce children from around the world to Taiwan and Hualien. They will continue working hard for local residents and youth, seeking ways to revive tourism and the economy and create opportunities for the children of Hualien.
ICG President Igor Topole said that during the bidding process, Hualien was hit by the earthquake but showed incredible resilience. This led the ICG to award the 2026 hosting rights to Hualien. With its rich natural scenery, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, he believes Hualien will successfully host the Games. He looks forward to the opening ceremony next year, where city representatives and youth athletes from around the world can experience Hualien's unique natural and cultural beauty and enjoy its friendly atmosphere.
Hsu Hsiu-Ling, Head of the International and Cross-Strait Sports Division at the Ministry of Education's Sports Administration, congratulated Hualien and Taiwan. She said that following Taipei City in 2002 and New Taipei City in 2016, Hualien's hosting in 2026 marks Taiwan's third time serving as ICG host. The Ministry of Sports will be established this September, aiming to promote the universalization, industrialization, and internationalization of sports. The ministry will fully support the Hualien County Government in organizing the Games to ensure a smooth and successful event.
After speeches by guests, Mayor Hsu Chen-Wei and ICG President Igor Topole jointly signed the Host City Agreement. Both exchanged commemorative pens. Mayor Hsu also presented appointment letters to members of the 2026 ICG Organizing Committee, and together they unveiled the Organizing Committee Office, symbolizing the official formation and full launch of the organizing team.
The 58th ICG will be held from August 2 to 5, 2026, in Hualien. The Organizing Committee will coordinate resources from central and local governments as well as the private sector to prepare for the event, train professional international volunteers, and welcome participants and supporters from around the world. The committee will provide top-quality service and create a sports and cultural event full of Hualien's unique characteristics, promoting local tourism and economic development while enhancing Hualien's visibility in the international sports community and its city image.
Attending today's event were ICG President Igor Topole, Vice President Chulwon Shin, Secretary General Hugh Waters, Treasurer Julien, Executive Committee Member Nikolaos, Executive Committee Member Zhang Fenfen, Sports Administration Division Chief Hsu Hsiu-Ling, Chinese Taipei High School Sports Federation Secretary General Chu Tsai-Feng, Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee Deputy Secretary General Tseng Wen-Hung, Legislator Fu Kun-Chi's office director Chiu Hui-Min, Acting County Secretary-General Rao Zhong, Education Director Weng Shu-Min, County Councilors Dee Bus Yilai, Han Linmei, Lin Zeshi, Hualien Sports Association Chairman Wang Jinde, Softball Committee Chair Wang Qinghua, Football Committee Deputy Secretary-General Liu Weizuo, Basketball Committee Chair Liu Yuanliang, Ji'an Township Mayor You Shuzhen, Ji’an Township Farmers' Association Secretary-General Chang Dechi, Dongdamen Fuding Night Market Committee Chair Huang Jiaming, Shiyi Street Commercial District Chairman Luo Yuting, and Leisure Tourism Association Supervisor Zhong Xianghe, who together witnessed this important moment of Hualien's connection to the international community.
