National High School Athletic Games Opens in Chiayi; President Lai Encourages Athletes to Excel in Both Academics and Sports
The 115th National High School Athletic Games opened in Chiayi County tonight. President Lai Ching-te and newly appointed Minister of Sports Lee Yang attended, encouraging student-athletes to pursue excellence in both their studies and athletic endeavors.
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- 📰 Published: April 18, 2026 at 22:16
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Central News Agency (Reporter Tsai Chih-ming, Chiayi County, 18th) - The 115th National High School Athletic Games opened tonight, with President Lai Ching-te attending to cheer on the athletes. Quoting Minister of Sports Lee Yang, President Lai encouraged everyone not to forget their studies during training, urging them to become athletes who excel in both academics and sports.
The games' opening ceremony was held tonight at the Chiayi County Baseball Stadium. Centered on the theme 'Youthful Chiayi,' the performances featured the Chiayi County Street Dance Training Team, the I+1 Percussion Group, and the Tsou Pasunaeno Choir, showcasing local Chiayi culture and youthful energy.
Lee Yang delivered the first speech in his capacity as the Games' President. His appearance on stage drew massive cheers from the audience. He mentioned that he had also participated in these games, but his best result was only a bronze medal in badminton doubles. He emphasized that alongside competition results, the people met during high school become very important figures in life. He also urged athletes not to abandon their academics amid their training, advising them to study hard.
In his speech, President Lai remarked that if Lee Yang hadn't brought up his past results, most would assume he had always been a champion. Yet, his ability to win glory for the country and secure two Olympic gold medals proves his extraordinary perseverance, making him a national hero.
The President stated that just as Lee Yang hoped athletes wouldn't forget their studies while improving their athletic skills, he too encourages everyone to become well-rounded athletes in both academics and physical pursuits.
President Lai emphasized that the Ministry of Sports was established last year, and Lee Yang was invited to be the Minister, dedicating the ministry to all athletes. Lee Yang is tasked with developing sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports, as well as enacting various reforms. The President asked the athletes to give Lee their full support.
The President also noted that this year's games received full support from the Ministry of Sports to ensure smooth operations. He specifically thanked the Chiayi County Government team led by Magistrate Weng Chang-liang for mobilizing nearly 10,000 people to handle event scheduling, venue preparation, and traffic arrangements, an incredibly demanding feat.
After the opening ceremony, brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, followed by 'Athletes' Night.' Famous Taiwanese and Korean artists, including Rachel Liang, TPE48, and Super Junior member Kyuhyun, took the stage. The finale featured Kyuhyun accompanied by a 300-drone show, creating a breathtaking visual feast in the night sky and leaving an unforgettable memory for the athletes and audience.
The Games are taking place in Chiayi County from today until the 23rd. Themed 'Surpass in Chiayi,' the event hosts 21 sports competitions, including popular events like track and field, swimming, badminton, table tennis, and taekwondo.
The games' opening ceremony was held tonight at the Chiayi County Baseball Stadium. Centered on the theme 'Youthful Chiayi,' the performances featured the Chiayi County Street Dance Training Team, the I+1 Percussion Group, and the Tsou Pasunaeno Choir, showcasing local Chiayi culture and youthful energy.
Lee Yang delivered the first speech in his capacity as the Games' President. His appearance on stage drew massive cheers from the audience. He mentioned that he had also participated in these games, but his best result was only a bronze medal in badminton doubles. He emphasized that alongside competition results, the people met during high school become very important figures in life. He also urged athletes not to abandon their academics amid their training, advising them to study hard.
In his speech, President Lai remarked that if Lee Yang hadn't brought up his past results, most would assume he had always been a champion. Yet, his ability to win glory for the country and secure two Olympic gold medals proves his extraordinary perseverance, making him a national hero.
The President stated that just as Lee Yang hoped athletes wouldn't forget their studies while improving their athletic skills, he too encourages everyone to become well-rounded athletes in both academics and physical pursuits.
President Lai emphasized that the Ministry of Sports was established last year, and Lee Yang was invited to be the Minister, dedicating the ministry to all athletes. Lee Yang is tasked with developing sports for all, competitive sports, and professional sports, as well as enacting various reforms. The President asked the athletes to give Lee their full support.
The President also noted that this year's games received full support from the Ministry of Sports to ensure smooth operations. He specifically thanked the Chiayi County Government team led by Magistrate Weng Chang-liang for mobilizing nearly 10,000 people to handle event scheduling, venue preparation, and traffic arrangements, an incredibly demanding feat.
After the opening ceremony, brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, followed by 'Athletes' Night.' Famous Taiwanese and Korean artists, including Rachel Liang, TPE48, and Super Junior member Kyuhyun, took the stage. The finale featured Kyuhyun accompanied by a 300-drone show, creating a breathtaking visual feast in the night sky and leaving an unforgettable memory for the athletes and audience.
The Games are taking place in Chiayi County from today until the 23rd. Themed 'Surpass in Chiayi,' the event hosts 21 sports competitions, including popular events like track and field, swimming, badminton, table tennis, and taekwondo.