Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin accompanied Rotary International President John Kenny on a visit to the Presidential Office on August 4. President Ma Ying-jeou met with the group and praised Rotary Club members for their dedication to the society and volunteering for the Deaflympics.

Ma pointed out that he has known the Rotary Club for a long time. Having earned the nickname “Justice” from an acquaintance, he recalled how the members contributed their effort to causes such as polio prevention and care for the disadvantaged of our society.

Recounting how Taipei won the bid to host the Deaflympics during his term as the city’s mayor, Ma said the event is a major international sports competition sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee. The 2009 Summer Deaflympics is the first time that the games are held in Asia; it is also considered a major achievement for both Taipei City and Taiwan.

Noting the success of the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, the president stressed that it is a record for Taiwan to have two major international sports event to take place on the island within a two-month period. He is confident that the events will help boost Taiwan’s international image.

Kenny remarked that the Rotary Club of Taiwan is taking on an active support role for the upcoming Summer Deaflympics. The organization has signed up more than 5,000 volunteers for the event. In addition, members from the 170 chapters in Taipei will help organize the receptions for the 4,000 athletes from abroad.