Taiwan's Lai Ching-te visits Nagoya Paralympic delegation, pledges strong support for disabled athletes

President Lai Ching‑te met the delegation from the Nagoya Asian Para Games at the Presidential Office today, expressing strong praise and gratitude for the athletes’ outstanding performances in international competitions. He emphasized that the government will continue to serve as the strongest backing for athletes, not only by safeguarding and enhancing the competitive environment on the global stage but also by implementing concrete actions to provide long‑term support and care for athletes with physical and mental disabilities, ensuring that every athlete who brings honor to the country can compete on the field without worry.

The development of sports for people with physical and mental disabilities has received heightened attention in the international arena in recent years. The Asian Para Games and the World Para Games are not only the pinnacle for showcasing individual athletic limits but also tangible demonstrations of a nation’s soft power and its commitment to human rights. Taiwan’s delegations have repeatedly overcome physical limitations and the relative scarcity of training resources at past Asian Para Games and World Para Games, achieving remarkable results in athletics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, and other events through extraordinary perseverance and the support of professional coaching teams. Behind these achievements lie countless hours of sweat from the athletes and the silent dedication of families and support staff.

To provide athletes with disabilities training resources and care systems on par with those of Olympic and Asian Games athletes, the Taiwanese government has been advancing the Ministry of Sport’s preparations and related sports‑policy reforms. While domestic funding for para‑athlete training, medical protection, and prize‑money systems has gradually improved through multiple amendments, there remains room for progress in areas such as barrier‑free facilities, full‑time coaching staff, and post‑retirement career guidance. President Lai’s meeting with the delegation and reaffirmation of the government’s support commitment carry practical significance in urging sports‑administrative bodies to accelerate the implementation of various sports‑equality policies.

From a macro perspective on sports development, supporting the Asian Para Games delegation is not merely a matter of competitive‑sport policy; it also involves the realization of social inclusion and equality values. When the state provides athletes with disabilities sufficient resources, platforms, and social visibility, it not only encourages more disabled citizens to engage in sport, step outdoors, and strengthen their bodies, but also shapes Taiwan’s culture of diversity, inclusiveness, and progress. Each time a Taiwanese athlete stands on the podium, raises the flag, it serves as a diplomatic moment that showcases Taiwan’s resilience and human‑rights values to the world.

As international sports competitions grow increasingly competitive, athletes’ demands for sports‑science support, psychological counseling, nutritional supplementation, and professional assistance in international grading systems are rising. In fulfilling the government’s promise to care for athletes, it must precisely channel these modern, scientific training supports into the para teams’ training systems. Through continuous policy optimization and the joint attention of society, Taiwan’s para athletes will continue to shine on the international stage, allowing the world to witness Taiwan’s indomitable sporting spirit.

Source: Central News Agency