TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) traveled south to the National Sports Training Center in Kaohsiung to present a flag to Taiwanese athletes competing at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

In addition to gifting the national flag as well as one representing Taiwan’s Olympic committee, Lai also offered NT$200,000 (US$6,145) to the delegation to be used for food and other expenses. The check was received by female weightlifter Chen Wen-huei (陳玟卉), per CNA.

In a speech to the athletes, Lai congratulated them for training “day and night” to pursue personal sports achievements. He also praised their efforts to unite the nation and bring credit to Taiwan on an international stage.

At the previous Tokyo Olympics, Taiwan secured two gold medals, four silvers, and six bronzes. For the upcoming Paris Olympics, Lai is optimistic about a greater medal count due to enhanced logistical support for athletes, which includes a meal center, sports training facilities, and medical stations in Paris.

Lai joked that many coaches and athletes requested Taiwanese food for their stay during the Paris Olympics. Others asked about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy equipment would be available to them in the city.

Lai said that although he is not an athlete, he enjoys following sports as a spectator. He said that when he served as premier, he approved all of the requests of the Sports Administration and visited the National Sports Training Center. 

Now that he is president, Lai has pledged that logistical support for the Paris Olympics will surpass that of the Tokyo Olympics. To conclude, he thanked athletes, coaches, and supporters for allowing Taiwan to put forth its best effort to win Olympic gold.