Taiwan-specific sporting events should be part of the government’s push to create a new sports ministry, as they would attract international athletics and develop the nation’s sporting talent, a Cabinet advisory panel said on Monday, when Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) chaired its third meeting.
Taiwan’s unique natural environment already supports popular local activities, such as cycling and mountaineering, which can be further developed into international events, Cheng said following the meeting, adding that the nation should host more international competitions.
If local governments hold international events, the central government should provide planning support, including financial assistance, or contribute to sports diplomacy efforts, she said.
Photo courtesy of the Executive Yuan
The government would continue to improve the nation’s capacity to organize international events, including collaborating with organizations that have experience putting on contests and discovering sports talent, she said.
As part of the proposed ministry of sports and physical education, the government would also establish an information-sharing platform so that domestic sports communities can better align with global standards, and more easily access information and knowledge from abroad, she said.
Most panel members agree that the new body should be called the ministry of sports, which would align with international standards and reflect its new mission, she said.
Although physical education curriculums for schools would remain under the Ministry of Education, the sports ministry would promote grassroots sports initiatives, establish diverse club activities and encourage youth participation in athletics, Cheng said.
In addition to departments within the Sports Administration, panel members suggested new divisions such as adaptive physical education, and sports science and technology development, to ensure that the new ministry would meet modern needs, Cheng said.
The suggestions and recommendations made by the panel members are to be forwarded to the preparatory committee, she added.
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