TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The 58th International Children's Games opened Sunday evening at Hualien County Stadium, welcoming nearly 1,300 athletes from 26 countries for the three-day sporting event, per LTN.
Sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee, the annual games bring together children ages 12 to 15 from cities around the world to compete in sports while promoting cultural exchange and international friendship.
This year's games feature eight sports: track and field, swimming, 3x3 basketball, soccer, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, and archery.
The opening ceremony began with six children carrying illuminated spheres representing Hualien and the world's five continents. Athletic delegations then entered the stadium, accompanied by a performance by Amis DJ Dungi Sapor (汝妮擔綱) from Hualien.
Performances featured white doves, traditional Taiwanese folk art, and a dance by 100 members of the Amis Indigenous community that showcased Hualien's multicultural heritage.
Sports Minister Lee Yang (李洋) encouraged athletes to embrace the challenges of competition and make the most of the opportunity to learn from one another. He said the games provide an important stage for young athletes to pursue their dreams while developing an international perspective and strengthening cross-cultural communication.
International Children's Games President Igor Topole said the event is more than a sporting competition, describing it as a platform for fostering friendship, respect, and mutual understanding. Topole encouraged athletes to uphold fair play and respect opponents and teammates, as he said relationships would ultimately prove more enduring than medals, per LTN.
Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-wei (徐榛蔚) said the games provide an important platform for cultural exchange and international friendship. She said Hualien was honored to host the event and hoped sports would help bring people from around the world closer together.
