Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an Experiences Drone Soccer and Pickleball, Pledges Support

(Central News Agency, Taipei, May 5) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, invited by Taiwan People's Party (TPP) councilors Huang Ching-ying and Chen Yu-cheng, experienced drone soccer and pickleball today. He promised to give greater support to schoolchildren participating in drone soccer competitions and to continue building pickleball courts in various administrative districts.

During the afternoon's municipal policy interpellation at the Taipei City Council, TPP Taipei City Council caucus convener and councilor Lin Chen-yu first stated that the caucus had prepared a Beyblade spinning top, popular among young people, and set up a backdrop with the word "Battle," allowing Mayor Chiang to experience the activity, symbolizing "fighting for Taipei, fighting for the people." Mayor Chiang then shouted "Fight for Taipei" and pulled the launcher.

TPP Taipei City Councilor Huang Ching-ying separately prepared drone soccer. After a brief introduction by a coach, she and Mayor Chiang each picked up a controller. Both successfully flew the drones and moved them towards the goal, but struggled to fly them through the hoop. During the process, Mayor Chiang crouched down and dodged, worried about being hit by the drone.

After the experience, Huang asked Mayor Chiang for his thoughts. Mayor Chiang laughed and said he needed more practice. Huang stated that drone soccer requires 3D spatial awareness and is a very suitable activity and competitive sport for children, an alternative to watching TV or playing video games, and could lead to obtaining a drone pilot license in the future.

Huang noted that children from Taipei have performed outstandingly in international drone soccer competitions and hoped the city government would provide strong assistance, supporting the children to compete abroad and win glory for the country. Mayor Chiang immediately agreed, stating that the Department of Education already provides subsidies and will offer even greater support in the future.

TPP Taipei City Councilor Chen Yu-cheng then invited Mayor Chiang, Taipei City Research, Development and Evaluation Commission Chairman Yin Wei, and TPP Taipei City Councilor Chang Chih-hao to play pickleball. After about 20 seconds of play, Chen said that besides promoting the sport, he also hoped to secure more sports venues for the people of Nangang District. Mayor Chiang immediately nodded in agreement, promising to build courts in every district. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150605