Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

The 2009 Summer Deaflympics in Taipei concluded on the night of September 15. To close the 10-day-long international competition on a high note, the organizers arranged an outdoor banquet for the athletes and guests at the Taipei Stadium.

Over 3,500 people gathered around 350 tables in the field to enjoy the nine-course feast featuring Taiwanese snacks. The menu included xiao long bao, tempura, beef noodle, minced pork rice, mango-flavored shaved ice, and bubble tea. Each guest also received a gift set with pineapple cakes, Taiwan tea, and coffee-flavored plums.

While the athletes enjoyed their dinner, the members of Hung Shung Lion Dance Theater staged an exciting performance featuring a mix of lion dance, dragon dance, and pyrotechnics. Ming Hwa Yuan Taiwanese Opera Company also appeared on stage with over two hundred actors dressed in extravagant costumes, giving the spectators a taste of Taiwanese opera. Aaron Kwok, a Hong Kong singer and one of the spokesperson for the 2009 Summer Deaflympics, also appeared at the event to present the theme song of the closing ceremony.

During his speech to the audience, Mayor Hau Lung-bin remarked that 51 world records and 94 Deaflympics records were renewed during the games this year. As the mayor of Taipei, Hau said he is very proud to have the opportunity to host this successful event.

Donalda Ammons, the president of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), praised the games in Taipei to be the best in the history of Deaflympics. As the first Asian city to hold the event, she said Taipei’s efforts were outstanding.