2026 National Middle School Athletic Games Kick Off in Chiayi Inspiring Young Athletes With “Transcend Yourself”
The opening ceremony of the 2026 National Middle School Athletic Games (the Games) was held in Chiayi County on April 18. President Lai Ching-Te, Minister of Sports Lee Yang, and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-Liang attended to officially inaugurate the highest level national event for high school athletics.
Organized by the Ministry of Sports (the MOS) and hosted by Chiayi County Government, this year’s Games carry the theme “Transcend Yourself.” A total of 21 sports competitions have been arranged, showcasing the strong foundation of Taiwan’s competitive sports. In his remarks, President Lai noted that the Games represent the highest stage for high school athletics, as well as the best moment for athletes to showcase their abilities and strive to surpass themselves. He encouraged participants to fully display the results of their rigorous training and expressed special gratitude for the collaboration between central and local governments, as well as the selfless contributions of nearly ten thousand educators, volunteers, and staff members who made the Games possible.
Minister Lee Yang stated that the Games are an extremely important stage in many athletes’ sporting careers. Beyond competition results, he urged participants to cherish the friendships formed through training, competition, and overcoming challenges together, while also reminding them not to neglect their studies. He expressed hope that all athletes will complete their events successfully and achieve outstanding results.
Representing the host unit, Magistrate Weng Chang-Liang emphasized that the county government is guided by the spirit of integrated services. By coordinating cross-agency resources in event planning, venue preparation, and medical support, the county aims to create the best possible competitive environment, ensuring that every athlete can compete with peace of mind and perform to their full potential.
The opening ceremony was themed “Youthful Chiayi,” featuring performances by the Chiayi County street dance training team, the IChiayi Percussion Group, and the Tsou indigenous Pasunaeno Choir. Together, they presented a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity, making the event not only a sporting arena but also a platform for cultural exchange. The subsequent “Athletes’ Night” further energized the atmosphere, with performances by renowned Taiwanese artists SHOU (Lou Jun-Shuo), GBOYSWAG (Agoo Lu), Liang Wen-Yin, TPE48, and Korean star Kyuhyun of Super Junior, showcasing the youthful energy of Chiayi.
With the successful completion of the opening ceremony, the 2026 Games have officially begun. Young athletes from across Taiwan will compete in Chiayi, striving for excellence. The public is warmly invited to attend and cheer on the athletes. For more information, please visit the official website: 2026 National Middle School Athletic Games.