Taichung City Government expresses strong regret and objection to the cancelation of the right to host the 1st East Asian Youth Games in Taichung made in the EAOC Extraordinary Council Meeting today (24).
Taichung had the honor to be the hosting city of the 1st East Asian Youth Games since October 24, 2014. Two city mayors during this period of the time have planned 676,726,000 NTD to the construction of the stadium and administration work, and kept an on-schedule progress. During these three years as the hosting city, EAOC group came to Taichung several times to exchange opinions on the preparation for the event, also praised the City’s effort.
To encourage and foster young athletes, in May, 2013, EAOC changed the “East Asian Games” into “East Asian Youth Games”, and for the first time set to be held August 24 -31, 2019, participated by 2,300 athletes from 9 countries and areas, the event of 14 sports is not only much anticipated by the outstanding athletes from Taiwan and East Asian region, but also looked forward to by Taichung citizens.
We appreciated the support and effort from central government and Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee. Today, regretfully, the EAOC Extraordinary Council Meeting made the decision, on political factor, to cancel the right to host the 1st East Asian Youth Games in Taichung. To the violent decision under abrupt procedure, we strongly call for the cease of sacrificing the rights of players because of political interference as the decision not only is against the original intention and the sportsmanship of Olympics, but also ignores the contribution made by every Taichung citizen, Taiwanese people, and all participating countries.
We are here to make strict appeal to the world, that the effort of young athletes and entire Taichung citizens must not go in vain, and that the event should be fulfilled as a pact between Taiwan and the world.