2024-09-19
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According to the Social Affairs Bureau, since Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen took office, Taichung has grown to over 500 community centers, serving more than 50,000 seniors. Taichung City pioneered the use of sports events to highlight health improvements among seniors, and this is the third year of the event. Lu expressed gratitude for strong participation from the community centers. The various activities designed for senior fitness have boosted their strength and encouraged teamwork, making Taichung’s older adults some of the most active and happy in the country.
The Social Affairs Bureau shared the story of 84-year-old Grandma Huang, a participant from the Dongying Community Center in East District, who discovered boccia through this program. She said that boccia is enjoyable and loves the camaraderie while playing. The game not only keeps her physically active but also requires teamwork and strategic thinking. Everyone has their own ways to play effectively.
Also, 78-year-old Grandma Hung-Liu and 73-year-old Grandma Huang from Houli District’s Yuanji Dance Association both had previous knee and hip injuries. However, through participating in community center activities, they gradually regained their strength and signed up for pickleball, something they never thought would make them athletes. In Xitun District, 73-year-old Grandpa Lai from the Xiehe Community Center said that taking the archery class makes him feel like an Olympic athlete. The training improves his vision, muscle strength, and coordination, and he can’t wait to compete.
Grandpa Yu from the Fuxing Community Development Association in Shalu District shared that at the previous Community Games, his participation in the archery tug-of-war was captured by a photographer, showcasing his intense focus and keen eyes. This led to him being chosen as the star of this year’s promotional poster for the games. At the press conference today, he excitedly posed for photos with the poster. The attendees also wished Yu a happy birthday and continued success in future competitions.
The Social Affairs Bureau outlined the schedule for the preliminary competitions: the pickleball tournament will kick off on October 1 at the Taichung Hakka LOHAS Park's LOHAS Sports Stadium, followed by the boccia tournament on October 2 at the Taichung North District Civil Sports Center, and the archery tug-of-war tournament on October 4 at the Kung Chu Sports Park. The finals and walk relay race will be grandly held on October 19 at the Taichung Municipal Taichung Special Education School. The Bureau looks forward to seeing all the participants enjoy the games, finish safely, and demonstrate sportsmanship.
“Live well, stay healthy and happy in your later years.” The Social Affairs Bureau noted that the city government is committed to creating a supportive environment for seniors, providing dedicated services in various areas. Along with ongoing health insurance subsidies for the elderly, the Senior Care Card has been upgraded for broader use, now offering discounts for train travel. Seniors can save up to NT$30 per trip when boarding or alighting at any of the 23 train stations in Taichung City, encouraging them to go outside more. Additionally, the Senior Academy program has introduced more than 1,130 classes aimed at helping seniors stay healthy and slow down the aging process.
At today’s press conference, city council member Liu Shih-chou, Chief Secretary Tu Shu-chen of the Beitun District Office, Chief Secretary Chen Pi-lan of the Wuqi District Office, Chief Secretary Huang Chin-lung of the Dadu District Office, Chief Secretary Chen Ming-yi of the Da'an District Office, Chief Secretary Lin Chen-ju of the Xitun District Office, Chief Secretary Hsiao Kun-liang of the Nantun District Office, Social Affairs Section Chief Liu Yu-chun of the Shalu District Office, Social Affairs Section Chief Chiu Chiung-hui of the West District Office, Cultural Affairs Section Chief Wang Lung-kuei of the South District Office, Social Affairs Section Chief Chu Mei-hui of Houli District Office, and Social Affairs Section Chief Li Ssu-hsuan of the East District Office were all in attendance. Additionally, legislators Huang Chien-hao and Liao Wei-hsiang, city council members Huang Hsin-hui, Chu Nuan-ying, Chen Cheng-hsien, Lin Pei-han, Ku Hsiu-ying, Wu Cheng-hsien, Wu Chien-te also sent representatives to join the event.
