Pingtung Indigenous Games Kick Off: 10 Representative Teams Compete in Cultural Exchange

The 2nd Pingtung County Indigenous Games officially opened today at Laiyi High School, marking the start of a three-day event featuring athletic competitions and traditional indigenous sports. The ceremony opened with a performance by the 'Yu-Ji Dance Art' group, followed by the parade of 10 representative teams, including nine indigenous townships and one urban indigenous representative team.

County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi, along with officials from the Council of Indigenous Peoples and several legislators, attended the event. Magistrate Chou emphasized that the games serve as a platform for competition while acting as a vital venue for cultural preservation and community cohesion. She noted that this year marks the first inclusion of an urban indigenous representative team, reflecting the event's growing role as a 'Harvest Festival' through sports.

Powerlifting world record holder Yang Sen led the athlete's oath, while the torch was ignited by taekwondo athlete Li Chi-en and discus thrower Shih Yun-chen. The competition encompasses eight general categories, such as track and field and basketball, and nine traditional categories, including archery, traditional hunting, and log-sawing relays. The event will continue through June 21st, inviting the public to witness the blend of indigenous wisdom and athletic spirit.