Tuesday, July 31, 2007

DPP presidential candidate talks sports

Taipei, July 31 (CNA) Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Frank Hsieh took time out Tuesday to talk on one of his favorite topics -- sports -- saying that good sport performances naturally bring out identification with Taiwan.

"When I was in New York last year for Chien-ming Wang's Major League baseball games and saw all those Taiwanese waving flags and chanting in the stands, I didn't see green, blue, orange or yellow on their faces. It was a non-partisan passion, " Hsieh said, referring colors representing Taiwan's political parties, speaking during a biennial summit on Taiwanese sports.

Hsieh, a former gymnast who won a gold medal in a provincial high school sports competition, said that sports competition is a form of modern day warfare as there have not been that many military wars nowadays, and that sports is a new way to showcase national prowess.

He also mentioned his experience of attending the World Baseball Classic in Japan last year, saying that "a good performance on the field brings out the Taiwanese identity naturally."

Hsieh further pointed out that annual sport budgets, which now stand at NT$4.7 billion, should take up at least one percent of the annual national budget, which stands at NT$16 billion.

Budgets and venues will be two of the most important factors in the development and promotion of sports, he said, adding that Taiwan should also do everything it can to host as many international competitions as possible.

Sports is a good way to teach the youngsters to do their best in pursuit of victory, and at the same time learn how to deal with defeat, he said.

"The experience of participating in sport has taught me many life lessons. I have been, and will always be proud of having been an athlete, " he said.