Taipei City Government

On October 8, Mayor Ko Wen-je and several gold medal athletes from Taipei appeared at the west entrance of Taipei City Hall to welcome the 2021 National Games torch relay team led by New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih
 
During their address, the two mayors expressed their confidence in making the upcoming 2021 National Games in New Taipei City a success. Ko added that Taipei City will hold the 2023 National Indigenous Games, and both Taipei and New Taipei will host the 2025 World Master Games – another major international sports competition to take place in northern Taiwan since the Universiade in 2017.
 
The torch of the National Games, which symbolizes unity and succession, was delivered by the representative of New Taipei City to the torch bearer of Taipei City. The head torch bearer of Taipei City’s delegation is 2021 Tokyo Olympics swimmer Eddie Wang, and the deputy torch bearers are the members of Taipei’s canoeing team, which claimed 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze medals at this year’s tournament. 
 
Ko remarked that hosting major sports events is a way to bring out the spirit of a city, as well as offering residents an opportunity to come together. Taipei City will host the National Indigenous Games in 2023, which is expected to attract over 5,000 indigenous athletes and staff. Taipei seeks to emphasize the diversity and multi-value aspect of the city through the games. Likewise, the 2025 World Masters Games is also expected to attract over 40,000 athletes and visitors from around the world.
 
The mayor pointed out that as a major global sports event, the number of attendees for the 2025 World Masters Games will likely exceed those visiting Taipei City for the 2017 Universiade. He is very honored to join hands with New Taipei City to host the games, and that the arrival of 40,000 overseas visitors will be a great opportunity for the world to experience the charms of Greater Taipei’s living environment.