Sports Minister Li Yang visits Nagoya to inspect Paralympic athlete logistics hub

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games officially opened tonight. To provide the most robust logistical support to the national team, Sports Minister Lee Yang traveled to the venue to inspect the competition relay station located at Miho Elementary School. During his visit, Lee personally listened to the practical needs of the athletes and coaching staff on the front lines. He emphasized that the logistics team must deliver the most comprehensive and meticulous services throughout the Games, ensuring that every Paralympic athlete representing Taiwan can compete without worry, fully focused on their preparation, with the logistics team serving as their strongest rear guard on the international stage.

The relay station established at Miho Elementary School primarily provides the national delegation with diverse services, including resupply, relaxation, nutritional management, and psychological support while competing away from home. Given that Paralympic athletes often require highly customized and attentive care due to their physical conditions, the operational efficiency of the relay station is directly linked to the athletes' ability to perform at their best. During the inspection, Lee carefully reviewed the equipment and spatial arrangements and engaged in in-depth discussions with the accompanying physiotherapists, nutritionists, and logistics support staff. These efforts aim to ensure that all aspects of the operation align with the athletes' genuine needs, making the logistical support flawless.

In recent years, Taiwan has significantly increased its emphasis on sports for people with physical or mental disabilities. Government departments and the Bureau of Sports are actively promoting resource integration, hoping to narrow the gap between the country and Asian sporting powers through scientific training and comprehensive logistical support. As the largest comprehensive sports event for people with disabilities in Asia, the Asian Para Games serve as the highest platform for athletes to demonstrate the results of years of hard training and are a key indicator of a nation's soft power in sports. Lee’s personal presence in Nagoya not only demonstrates the government’s high regard for Paralympic athletes but also conveys the core value of fully committing national resources and treating every national team member with equality.

For athletes with disabilities, competing abroad involves overcoming their own physical challenges while also adapting to local climate, diet, time differences, and the high-pressure competitive environment. The relay station functions as a second home for athletes in a foreign land, providing the comfort of familiar food, immediate sports protection, and a space for psychological adjustment. Through Lee’s on-site inspection and attention to their needs, the logistics team has been able to make final adjustments and optimizations on the eve of the competition, ensuring that all services are precisely targeted. This allows athletes to feel the warm support and comprehensive protection from home from the moment they step onto the competition field.

As the Nagoya Asian Para Games officially began tonight, the national delegation is ready to strive for excellent results in various events. Lee’s inspection is not merely a routine administrative oversight but carries deep significance in boosting morale, letting all participating athletes and coaching staff know that they are not fighting alone on the path to their dreams. The attention from the public and the tangible support from the government will transform into a powerful driving force for athletes to break through their limits on the field. It is expected that Taiwan’s athletes will achieve outstanding results in this edition of the Asian Para Games and bring glory to the nation.

(Source: CNA)